No Swimming Allowed in East Hampton Lake Due to Algae Bloom

EAST HAMPTON, CT – Swimming is prohibited at Lake Pocotopaug after recent testing showed evidence of an algae bloom.

A notice was posted on the town website Monday that said swimming in the area presents a public health risk from an algae bloom.

The Chatham Health District website claims blue-green algae occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut. Warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance.

This response is called a bloom. The tainted water then takes on a green, blue-green or reddish-brown color.

Officials will retest the waters and determine when it is safe to swim in again.