20 New Hampshire Lakes, Beaches Have Fecal, Cyanobacteria: State Officials

CONCORD, NH — State officials are reporting more than a dozen new and continuing warnings for cyanobacteria and fecal bacteria advisories, warnings, and watches.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said four beaches had fecal bacteria advisories: Corcoran’s Pond Beach in Waterville Valley, which was on the list last week, and Ellacoya State Park Beach in Gilford, which was added this week. Hampton Harbor Beach and New Castle Town Beach were also added to the list this week.

New active cyanobacteria warnings include Keyser Pond in Henniker, Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro, Locke Lake in Barnstead, Pool Pond in Rindge, The Broads Area of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Governor's Island Area of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Emerson Pond in Rindge. Continued warnings include Arlington Mill Pond in Salem, Showell Pond in Sandown, the Wolfeboro area of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Province Lake in Effingham and Wakefield.

Cyanobacteria watches, which have transitioned from alerts, were active in the Alton Area of Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Francis in Pittsburg, Long Pond in Henniker, the Tuftonboro Area of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Lake Kanasatka in Moultonborough.

Warnings dropped by the state include Baboosic Lake in Amherst, Lake Monomonac in Rindge, Halfmoon Pond in Kingston, Tucker Pond in Salisbury, and the Tuftonboro Area of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Officials warned that exposure to fecal bacteria can cause digestive and respiratory illnesses, infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, and other major health issues, officials said.

Swimmers, waders, and pet owners were warned that blooms and surface scum from cyanobacteria are natural occurrences. However, exposure can bring acute health effects, including skin irritation and mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

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