August 24, 2009
State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Lake Waukewan,
Meredith & New Hampton
Concord, NH – An elevated cyanobacteria cell concentration has been measured in Lake Waukewan in Meredith and New Hampton. Samples revealed that the state standard of 50 percent or greater of the total cell count was identified as cyanobacteria. As a result, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria warning for those who recreate on Lake Waukewan. This warning is not based on a toxin evaluation and is intended as a precautionary measure for short term exposure. DES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions typically where lake water has a blue-green surface scum or swirls. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have a surface scum or blue-green swirls.
Lake users should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria surface scums. The current bloom is variable with some lake portions free of visual surface scums while other areas have a green to blue-green color to the water. Recent sightings report congregations of cyanobacteria in proximity to the Meredith Boat Launch.
DES routinely monitors public beaches and public waters of the state for cyanobacteria. DES monitors public waters issued cyanobacteria warnings on a weekly basis until the cyanobacteria standards are again met. Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, but blooms and surface scums may form when excess phosphorus is available in the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells but released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects ranging in severity from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to liver and central nervous system damage for humans and animals.
The August 24, 2009 warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished.
Visit the DES Beach Program website for photos and more information about cyanobacteria.
Click here for updates on advisories and warnings.
If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact DES immediately. Please call DES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603)419-9229
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.”
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.
