Confirmed cyanobacteria bloom  on September 3, 2010   For more info click on link
cyanoflyer
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: September 13, 2010

CONTACT:   Jody Connor (603) 271-3414 or 419-9229

                        Sonya Carlson (603) 271-0698

 

State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Province Lake, Effingham, NH

 

Concord, NH – An elevated cyanobacteria cell concentration has been measured in Province Lake, Effingham, NH.  Samples revealed that the state standard of 50% or greater of the total cells from the bloom were identified as cyanobacteria.  As a result, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria warning for those who recreate on Province Lake.  The bloom has the appearance of pea soup and has moved from the northern edge of the lake to the southwest shoreline.  Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions. 

 

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 blue-green globs.  DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have blue-green or bright green globs.

 

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 to 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 that range in severity.  Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Chronic effects include liver and central nervous system damage. 

 

The September 3, 2010, warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished. 

 

Photos of the current bloom at Province lake can be found at the Province Lake Association site:

http://www.provincelake.org/PLPhotos

Photos and information about cyanobacteria can be found at the DES Beach Program web site: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/beaches/index.htm

Updates on advisories and warnings may be obtained at http://www2.des.state.nh.us/Advisories/Beaches/

Follow the Beaches twitter feed:

http://twitter.com/NHDES_Beaches

 

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  ###

New activities will be posted as they are approved.



Page updated 7/25/10