​State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Little Island Pond

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has issued a cyanobacteria lake warning for those who recreate on Little Island Pond in Pelham, due to extensive bluish-green clouds of cyanobacteria seen floating in the lake, according to a press statement.

The bluish-green clouds may move around the lake. The cell concentration was approximately 500,000 cells per ml of water which is above the state standard of 70,000 cells of cyanobacteria/ml of water.

"Direct contact with the water is discouraged where bluish-green water is seen," according to Sonya Carlson of the NH DES. "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."

The NH DES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing a surface scum or blue-green clouds. The org also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of water that has a surface scum or blue-green clouds. Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions, Carlson noted.

The org 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. 5, 2016, warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished.

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

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Submitted by the NHDES.