Cyanobacteria Warning Issued for Hothole Pond

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has issued a cyanobacteria lake warning for those who recreate on Hothole Pond in Loudon, due to the prevalence of cyanobacteria throughout the water column, according to a press statement. A green hue is clearly visible across the entire lake, according to David Neils of the NH DES. The cell concentration was approximately 72,000 cyanobacteria cells/milliliter of lake water and above the state threshold of 70,000 cells of cyanobacteria per ml of water.

"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," Neils stated. "NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of water. Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions."

The NHDES routinely monitors public beaches and public waters of the state for cyanobacteria. Once a cyanobacteria warning has been issued, NHDES returns to affected waterbodies on a weekly basis until the cyanobacteria bloom is not evident, according to officials.

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. 30, 2016, warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished.

Visit the NHDES 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 at twitter.com/NHDES_Beaches.

Officials are asking people if they notice anything resembling cyanobacteria to refrain from wading, swimming or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact NHDES immediately. Call NHDES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at 603-419-9229.

Submitted by Kathryn Michener.