DES HAS REMOVED THESE ADVISORIES
Due to the ephemeral nature of cyanobacteria it is likely that these blooms may make a reappearance. While the bloom accumulation has dissipated, NHDES advises that lake-goers look out for green surface accumulations and green clouds in the future. Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions. If you observe accumulations in the future, stay out of the water, and report it (along with pictures, time and location) to the HAB Email (HAB@des.nh.gov) or the HAB Hotline (603) 848-8094 AND the Lake Winnipesaukee Association (brossiter@winnipesaukee.org).
Summer has just begun, but the reports of cyanobacteria are coming into LWA and NHDES at an alarming rate. Over the last few days, we are hearing about sightings all over the lake. NHDES has issued an official cyanobacteria advisory for Winnipesaukee at
Ellacoya State Park beach, Gilford and for
Jockey Cove, Wolfeboro. Water quality samples were collected and Cyanobacteria (Dolichospermum) were estimated in concentrations of 199,733 cells/ml at Ellacoya and 414,667 cells/ml in Jockey Cove. Advisories are issued when cyanobacterial cell concentrations exceed 70,000 cells/mL. The advisory is not based on a toxin evaluation and is intended as a precautionary measure for short term exposure.
Cyanobacteria sightings have also been reported in the following areas on Lake Winnipesaukee. Check out LWA's
Cyanobacteria Tracking Map and Weekly Report
Cyanobacteria Sighting Locations
Dolly Island
Kinneho/Breezy Island
Glendale docks, Gilford
Sally's Gut, Meredith
Fish/Round/Flag, Meredith
If you suspect a waterbody is experiencing a cyanobacterial bloom:
Call or text the NHDES HAB hotline at (603) 848-8094 or email
HAB@des.nh.gov and follow these steps to minimize immediate risks:
Don’t wade or swim or drink the water.
Keep pets and/or livestock out;
Wash your hands if you’ve had contact with the water.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and 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, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage.
NHDES has created an
infographic on cyanobacteria for the public.
The LWA is co-hosting two Cyanobacteria talks in July. The first talk, 'Cyanobacteria and What You Need to Know' will be held at the Moultonborough Public Library on July 12, from 3-4pm. The presentation will feature Dr. Amanda McQuaid, Water Quality Specialist, Professor of Water Quality and Ecotoxicology, and Director of the Lakes Lay Monitoring Program at the University of New Hampshire. The second talk will be held on July 20th, 7-8pm, at the Community Center in Meredith in partnership with the Waukewan Watershed Advisory Committee and the Windy Waters Conservancy. The Lake Winnipesaukee Association will present on their work to address excessive nutrient loading to the lake, and provide information on what homeowners and lake users can do to live lake-friendly.
Please feel free to call (603) 581-6632 or e-mail
mail@winnipesaukee.org with any additional questions.
Thank You,
Bree Rossiter
Conservation Program Manager
Lake Winnipesaukee Association
P.O. Box 1624, Meredith, NH, 03253
(603) 581-6632