State lawmakers who represent Putnam County are trying to force the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to do more than just warn New Yorkers about harmful algal blooms (HABs) that are shutting down beaches.

Through new legislation, they are seeking to compel the DEC to go further than simply monitoring and gathering data, and begin remediation projects.

The Lake Peekskill Improvement District in Putnam Valley has been using all of its tools to keep HABs at safe levels at each of the lake's three beaches.

LPID employee Jeremy Whalen said mitigation requires more resources.

RELATED: More beaches closed in Hudson Valley due to algae concerns

"It doesn't seem to get any better," Whalen said, "So yes, we have to try something [different]."

Exposure to HABs can cause nausea and breathing problems in humans, and it can kill some animals.

Assemblyman Matt Slater and State Sen. Rob Rolison held a press conference Friday morning in Putnam Valley to discuss the bill that would classify HABs as water contaminants.

They said that new designation would force the DEC to finally treat HABs as contaminants, which would include mitigation projects and assistance to small-budget municipalities to control algae.

"Anything is worth a try," Whalen said. "You know, all these people pay all these tax dollars to use the lake and they can't use it."

The state closely monitors for HABs around the state and notifies the public of HABs, but has not followed through by releasing funds for mitigation projects.

Assemblyman Slater said projects to convert homes near water sources from using septic tanks to sewers is especially necessary.

The DEC, the lawmakers, Putnam Valley leaders have been in agreement for years that sewer conversions and improvements are especially necessary to minimize the amount of wastewater in runoff.

The runoff, which may end up in drinking water sources or recreational lakes, usually contains nutrients that feed the HABs.

"We know they need sewers. They know they need sewers," Slater said. "They already did a study on sewers. In a 2018 report the state released says, 'Hey, guess what. You need sewers.' Well thanks."

Brian Duffy of the DEC's Division of Water told News 12 in a Zoom interview Friday morning the agency is still researching the best mitigation methods and are doing much more than just monitoring HABs and compiling data.

"I think we're well suited to advance those strategies," Duffy said. "Additional legislation is not necessarily a helpful proposal on addressing HABs statewide."

The other factor that neither the DEC nor the lawmakers can control is that HABs thrive in heat.

News 12's weather team expects 90-degree daytime temperatures for much of next week.

Putnam Valley and Putnam County officials also expect they will have to shut down more recreational areas where HABs have grown out of control.

Four Putnam County beaches are currently closed.