Regards,
Jon Samuelson
President, PLA
News from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 11, 2013
CONTACT: Sonya Carlson (603) 271-0698 or (603) 419-9229
twitter.com/NHDES_Beaches
State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Province Lake, Effingham, NH
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria lake warning for those who recreate on Province Lake, Effingham, NH, due to extensive greenish clouds and streaks of cyanobacteria. Areas where the bloom has been spotted include the boat launch on Bonnyman Road and along Point, Bailey & Remick Roads, however, the bloom may appear anywhere on the lake. In windy conditions, the lake appears cloudy. During calm periods, large swaths of blue-green material can be seen along the shore. 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 not based on a toxin evaluation. 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 July 11, 2013, 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 http://des.nh.gov/
Updates on advisories and warnings may be obtained at http://www2.des.state.nh.us/
Follow the Beaches twitter feed:
http://twitter.com/NHDES_
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
