More Than A Dozen NH Beaches, Lakes Have Fecal, Cyanobacteria Warnings

CONCORD, NH — If getting a lake or ocean beach day in this weekend is on your agenda, especially since the weather is supposed to be very nice, here is a rundown of fecal bacteria and cyanobacteria warnings and advisories in New Hampshire.

According to the latest information from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ Healthy Swimming Mapper, new fecal bacteria advisories have been posted at Corcoran’s Pond Beach in Waterville Valley, North Hampton State Park Beach, and Troy Town Beach. Clough State Park in Weare has had an active advisory posted since Aug. 2.

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

Active cyanobacteria warnings include the Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro areas of Lake Winnipesaukee, Showell Pond in Sandown, and Arlington Mill Pond in Salem, which were added this week. Older warnings at Baboosic Lake in Amherst, Halfmoon Pond in Kingston, Province Lake in Effingham and Wakefield, and Tucker Pond in Salisbury are all still active. This week, Cyanobacteria watches were also added in the Alton area of Winnipesaukee, Lake Monomonac in Rindge, and Phillips Pond in Sandown.

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

Cyanobacteria warnings have been lifted from Bow Lake in Strafford and Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham.

To view the Healthy Swimming Mapper, visit this link.

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