July 17, 2009
Cyanobacteria Update:
Despite what you might have heard on the radio or read in the newspapers lately, New Hampshire is not the “cyanobacteria capital of the world” and it has not been proven that Lou Gehrig’s disease is caused by toxic bacteria blooms in our lakes and ponds.
While a few advisories have been posted by the New Hampshire Department of Services to warn residents about the potential danger of recreating in areas experiencing a toxic bloom, and researchers are investigating a possible link between Lou Gehrig’s disease and cyanobacteria blooms, NH LAKES Education Director Andrea LaMoreaux says “we don’t want people to be afraid to swim in New Hampshire’s lakes—they are among the cleanest in the nation. We want lake users to be educated about what is in their favorite lake and how to help prevent it from experiencing a toxic bloom in the first place.” LaMoreaux adds, “we are lucky in New Hampshire that we recreate in one of the only states where lakes are tested for this potentially toxic bacteria on a statewide basis.”
To learn more about cyanobacteria and what you can do to help prevent it from blooming in your lake, visit the DES website.
For the latest advisories all summer long, click on Beach Advisories on the left hand column of the home page.
June 15, 2009
Is there a toxic algae bloom in your lake?
You may have read it in the papers or heard it on the radio—a few of New Hampshire’s lakes have already had cyanobacteria (toxic algae) advisories issued this year and scientific researchers report that cyanobacteria blooms may be linked to unusually high rates of Lou Gehrig’s disease around a few of New Hampshire’s lakes, and other lakes in New England.
Algae bloom that could be cyanobacteria, but was not tested at the time.
(Photo courtesy of NH DES)
At this year’s Lakes Congress (hosted by NH LAKES at Colby Sawyer College on June 26th) attendees found out exactly what this means for their summer on the lakes. Officials from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) were present with specific information on this most current issue of concern.
Jared Teutsch, President of NH LAKES, states the need for clarity. “We don’t want people to be afraid to go in the water,” says Teutsch, explaining the need for awareness in helping to inform the public and create more eyes on potential lake issues of concern.
Cyanobacteria scums typically look like paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water and are usually caused by excessive nutrient pollution into surface waters coupled by warming water temperatures. DES advises that if you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, to refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact DES at (603) 419-9229 to immediately report a potential bloom.
Pollen collecting on a lake often has the look of an algae bloom
(NH LAKES staff photo)
To learn more about cyanobacteria and what you can do to help prevent it from blooming in your lake, attend NH LAKES’ Lakes Congress to get first hand information. To find out more about the event, other lake-related issues being presented and discussed, and to register:
To see the proceedings from Lakes Congress, follow this link.
For the latest advisories all summer long, click on Beach Advisories on the left hand column of the home page.
