Avoid Water Contact at Reservoir, Windsor Says

WINDSOR, CT — Windsor health officials are advising residents to avoid contact with water at Rainbow Reservoir after a blue-green algae bloom was found in parts of the reservoir.

In an advisory posted by the town, officials said some blue-green algae blooms can produce cyanotoxins that may be harmful to people and pets. The town's accompanying notice attributes the bloom to summer heat.

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Residents should avoid swimming, boating or fishing in water with visible blooms, officials said. Pets should not be allowed to drink or play in water containing visible algae. Anyone who comes into contact with natural water should wash their hands and rinse off pets afterward.

The town said exposure to potentially toxic blooms can cause skin rashes, nausea and respiratory issues. Ingesting contaminated water can also cause more serious health effects.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, cyanobacteria occur naturally in lakes and ponds, but warm weather and nutrient pollution can fuel blooms during the summer. Not every bloom produces toxins, the agency says, but toxin levels cannot be determined without further evaluation; officials recommend avoiding direct contact when a bloom is visible.

Residents with questions can contact the Windsor Health Department at 860-285-1823. Anyone who develops symptoms after exposure should contact a health care provider; pet owners should contact a veterinarian if an animal may have ingested affected water.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.