'Bluish-Greenish Globs of Cyanobacteria' Found in Pond

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria lake warning for those who recreate on Keyser Pond in Henniker due to bluish-greenish globs of cyanobacteria working, according to a press statement.

The globs can move around the pond during windy conditions congregate in small sections of the pond. Direct contact with the water is discouraged. Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions.

This warning is intended as a precautionary measure to prevent short term exposure to cyanobacteria toxins and is based on microscopic analysis of the water. DES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing a surface scum or blue-green clouds. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of water that has a surface scum or blue-green clouds.

DES routinely monitors public beaches and public waters of the state for cyanobacteria. Once a cyanobacteria warning has been issued, DES returns to affected waterbodies on a weekly basis until the cyanobacteria bloom is not evident. 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 Aug. 27, 2015, warning will remain in effect until future samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished, according to the statement.

Visit the DES Beach Program website for photos and more information about cyanobacteria at des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/beaches/index.htm

Updates on advisories and warnings may be obtained at des.state.nh.us/WaterShed_BeachMaps/WaterShed_BeachMaps.aspx

Follow the Beaches twitter feed: 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.