Algae Bloom

DickR · 08-06-2014, 06:39 PM

Back around 1974-75, when I was considering a property over on Lake Winnisquam, I obtained a copy of a lengthy study on the algae bloom that occurred most years in August. While the algae bloom was not considered a health problem, it was a big aesthetic issue, and it caused a great reduction in water clarity in areas. The algae was determined to be a direct result of excessive inflow of phosphorous.

The report tabulated all the water inflows and exits, plus in absolute terms the inflows of phosphorous. By far the greatest source of water inflow was the Winnipesaukee river, which was said to be large enough to fill Lake Winnisquam three times over in the course of a year. However, the total phosphorous that flow brought was only a percent or so of the total. The lion's share of the total phosphorous came from the secondary sewage treatment facility at Laconia (IIRC) and from the laundry facility at the state school up the shore.

The solution already was being implemented. I spoke with one of the state engineers at Concord during that winter, and at that time he said that the new facility would be online soon. The sewage and state school laundry outflow, plus various flows from the Meredith area, would be piped over to a treatment facility in Franklin. He thought there might be one more summer with an algae bloom over there, as kinks were ironed out, but that afterward the annual bloom ought to be no more. Perhaps someone can comment on how things turned out on Winnisquam.

If the bloom in Wolfeboro also is phosphorous-limited, this would be a sure sign that tougher regulations on phosphorous usage around the lake are appropriate. Looking the other way when your neighbor fertilizes his waterfront lawn or leaf blows stuff into the lake is no longer acceptable.

welch100 · 08-28-2014, 09:45 AM

The Jody Connor Limnology Center (JCLC) Cyanobacteria Hotline at (603) 419-9229.

See also excellent info, including photos, at
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divis..._connor_sh.pdf

beagle · 08-28-2014, 11:13 AM

Are you talking about those little tiny green specks that are floating in the water or the fluffy green stuff on the bottom of the lake or something else?

tis · 08-28-2014, 11:17 AM

What we have now is not cyanobacteria. I was told years ago by a lady from the state it is good, it means the lake is healthy. And if you notice, it eats the bottom and makes it nice and clean.

Jeanzb1 · 08-28-2014, 12:41 PM

The trillions of tiny greenish brown specks that are in the top water column are called "gloeotrichia." It blooms usually in mid-August when the water is warm and there has been lots of sun. It is an algae.

glennsteely · 08-28-2014, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

The trillions of tiny greenish brown specks that are in the top water column are called "gloeotrichia." It blooms usually in mid-August when the water is warm and there has been lots of sun. It is an algae.

....but, is it good or bad?

tis · 08-28-2014, 05:09 PM

As I said, what we have is good according to the lady from DES.

Jeanzb1 · 08-29-2014, 07:20 AM

If you Google "gloeotrichia," you can read all about this cyanobacteria. It is recommended that humans and pets DO NOT drink the water.

tis · 08-29-2014, 08:21 AM

Oh no, you do not want to even swim where there is cyanobacteria -not even let your dogs swim in it. But fortunately that is not what we have now.

BrownstoneNorth · 08-29-2014, 08:54 AM

Tis, you may have misunderstood what a DES lady told you some years ago -- cyanobacteria Gloeotrichia tends to occur in lakes that are generally clean/good.

After encountering large quantities of these specs a few days ago at Point Breeze on and just below the surface of Lake Wentworth, I inquired of both the DES and Lake Wentworth Association. Copying below the email I received from sonya.carlson@des.nh.gov and the post on the LWA website. We've temporarily switched our swimming to Brewster on Winni instead, which is so far clear.

DES:

It is most likely the cyanobacteria Gleotrichia. It is a cyanobacteria that appears in large, low nutrient lakes like Wentworth, Winnipesaukee and Squam. At this point, it is known that it does have the capability to produce microcystin, a liver toxin, but the concentration of the cells weren't large enough in Winnipesaukee to be of concern.

It could be responsible for skin irritation or gastrointestinal issues, but not enough is known to say when the threshold is crossed from harmless to potentially harmful.

LWA: http://www.lwa.org/2014/08/blue-gree...ack/#more-2547

Blue-Green Algae Is Back

Again, many people reported seeing lots of “little green dots” in the water this summer. Yes, it is a Blue-Green Algae but it also seems to be a relatively benign kind. Was here last summer in large numbers and for the past 4 or 5 in smaller numbers.

The Algae, called Gloeotrichia, was found throughout the lake most of the summer in low densities. Last year, there was a reasonably large bloom of this algae so it was expected this year. There are places with higher densities, most likely associated with the direction of winds. Last year, samples were sent to UNH to test for toxins (this species can produce toxins at times) but this species doesn’t seem to be as dangerous as other forms of blue green algae. There have been reports on this lake of rashes and some digestive issues after swimming which might have been due to this bloom or another cause (such as duck itch or normal indigestion). The bloom will probably disappear in a week or so but it is quite likely to come back next year because it has a life cycle that allows it to winter over at the bottom of the lake. More information is available in a brochure produced by the Lake Sunapee Assoc. with regard to their bloom of Gloeotrichia. The link is: Lake Sunapee Bloom. (It will download as a PDF separate from this web page.)

What individuals can do…reduce phosphorus input to lake. The Lake Wentworth Watershed Plan is designed to do just that. Gloeotrichia is tough to get rid of because it forms resting cells on the sediments and can draw from sediment phosphorus (accumulated from past loading) to start the cycle again. This species seems to be found in lakes that are relatively pure like Lake Wentworth, according to people from the New Hampshire Lakes Assoc., but the more phosphorus available, the worse the blooms may become.

Jeanzb1 · 08-29-2014, 11:36 AM

BrownstoneNorth: Yes, you are correct, as this is the same information I was given several years ago when I inquired of the state about Gloeotrichia. There are shallow areas and sandy beaches located downwind where the concentrations of it are HORRIBLE. It looks like coffee grounds dumped in the lake. YECH! And when you swim in those areas, you will see the "specks" on the inside of your bathing suit. But in deeper waters you will see much less of it.

tis · 08-29-2014, 01:00 PM

I think I need to explain. What we have now in the water we have had for many years in the month of August. The lady from the state said it is a good bacteria and means the lake is healthy. I don't know what it is called. I don't know if she was wrong but I know for sure what she told me because it was the first time I had ever seen it and I was worried.

I have never seen the cyanobacteria but from being told by talking to someone from the Mirror Lake Assn. and reading the newspaper that people who lived on Mirror Lake were not supposed to use it at all and not let their dogs use it.

That is all i know.

Jeanzb1 · 08-29-2014, 01:37 PM

I think we are talking about the same stuff. Take a clear glass jar and take a sample of the water and you will clearly see many little brownish "dots" suspended in the water. THAT is Gloeotrichia. It has appeared every August as long as we've been coming up here. Apparently, from what I've read and been told, it is always in the water, but it lies dormant on the bottom until the temperature and sunlight conditions are right for it to bloom. It's okay to swim as long as it is not too concentrated (shallow coves where it is so thick that it floats on the surface) but it's not okay for humans and pets to drink water where there is an active Gloeotrichia bloom.

08-28-2014, 09:45 AM	#2
welch100 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Welch Island, Gilford Posts: 51 Thanks: 50 Thanked 15 Times in 6 Posts	Report Algae Blooms The Jody Connor Limnology Center (JCLC) Cyanobacteria Hotline at (603) 419-9229. See also excellent info, including photos, at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divis..._connor_sh.pdf Last edited by welch100; 08-28-2014 at 09:47 AM. Reason: add some info

08-28-2014, 11:13 AM	#3
beagle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 176 Thanks: 185 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	what does it look like? Are you talking about those little tiny green specks that are floating in the water or the fluffy green stuff on the bottom of the lake or something else?

08-29-2014, 08:54 AM	#10
BrownstoneNorth Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 212 Thanks: 110 Thanked 131 Times in 71 Posts	The greenish brown algae specs are a form of cyanobacteria Tis, you may have misunderstood what a DES lady told you some years ago -- cyanobacteria Gloeotrichia tends to occur in lakes that are generally clean/good. After encountering large quantities of these specs a few days ago at Point Breeze on and just below the surface of Lake Wentworth, I inquired of both the DES and Lake Wentworth Association. Copying below the email I received from sonya.carlson@des.nh.gov and the post on the LWA website. We've temporarily switched our swimming to Brewster on Winni instead, which is so far clear. DES: It is most likely the cyanobacteria Gleotrichia. It is a cyanobacteria that appears in large, low nutrient lakes like Wentworth, Winnipesaukee and Squam. At this point, it is known that it does have the capability to produce microcystin, a liver toxin, but the concentration of the cells weren't large enough in Winnipesaukee to be of concern. It could be responsible for skin irritation or gastrointestinal issues, but not enough is known to say when the threshold is crossed from harmless to potentially harmful. LWA: http://www.lwa.org/2014/08/blue-gree...ack/#more-2547 Blue-Green Algae Is Back Again, many people reported seeing lots of “little green dots” in the water this summer. Yes, it is a Blue-Green Algae but it also seems to be a relatively benign kind. Was here last summer in large numbers and for the past 4 or 5 in smaller numbers. The Algae, called Gloeotrichia, was found throughout the lake most of the summer in low densities. Last year, there was a reasonably large bloom of this algae so it was expected this year. There are places with higher densities, most likely associated with the direction of winds. Last year, samples were sent to UNH to test for toxins (this species can produce toxins at times) but this species doesn’t seem to be as dangerous as other forms of blue green algae. There have been reports on this lake of rashes and some digestive issues after swimming which might have been due to this bloom or another cause (such as duck itch or normal indigestion). The bloom will probably disappear in a week or so but it is quite likely to come back next year because it has a life cycle that allows it to winter over at the bottom of the lake. More information is available in a brochure produced by the Lake Sunapee Assoc. with regard to their bloom of Gloeotrichia. The link is: Lake Sunapee Bloom. (It will download as a PDF separate from this web page.) What individuals can do…reduce phosphorus input to lake. The Lake Wentworth Watershed Plan is designed to do just that. Gloeotrichia is tough to get rid of because it forms resting cells on the sediments and can draw from sediment phosphorus (accumulated from past loading) to start the cycle again. This species seems to be found in lakes that are relatively pure like Lake Wentworth, according to people from the New Hampshire Lakes Assoc., but the more phosphorus available, the worse the blooms may become. Last edited by BrownstoneNorth; 08-29-2014 at 09:01 AM. Reason: remove stray asterisks and typo

08-06-2014, 06:39 PM	#1
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 751 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 Posts	Back around 1974-75, when I was considering a property over on Lake Winnisquam, I obtained a copy of a lengthy study on the algae bloom that occurred most years in August. While the algae bloom was not considered a health problem, it was a big aesthetic issue, and it caused a great reduction in water clarity in areas. The algae was determined to be a direct result of excessive inflow of phosphorous. The report tabulated all the water inflows and exits, plus in absolute terms the inflows of phosphorous. By far the greatest source of water inflow was the Winnipesaukee river, which was said to be large enough to fill Lake Winnisquam three times over in the course of a year. However, the total phosphorous that flow brought was only a percent or so of the total. The lion's share of the total phosphorous came from the secondary sewage treatment facility at Laconia (IIRC) and from the laundry facility at the state school up the shore. The solution already was being implemented. I spoke with one of the state engineers at Concord during that winter, and at that time he said that the new facility would be online soon. The sewage and state school laundry outflow, plus various flows from the Meredith area, would be piped over to a treatment facility in Franklin. He thought there might be one more summer with an algae bloom over there, as kinks were ironed out, but that afterward the annual bloom ought to be no more. Perhaps someone can comment on how things turned out on Winnisquam. If the bloom in Wolfeboro also is phosphorous-limited, this would be a sure sign that tougher regulations on phosphorous usage around the lake are appropriate. Looking the other way when your neighbor fertilizes his waterfront lawn or leaf blows stuff into the lake is no longer acceptable.

The Following User Says Thank You to DickR For This Useful Post:
Mooseyme (08-29-2014)

08-28-2014, 11:17 AM	#4
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,724 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	What we have now is not cyanobacteria. I was told years ago by a lady from the state it is good, it means the lake is healthy. And if you notice, it eats the bottom and makes it nice and clean.

08-28-2014, 12:41 PM	#5
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 554 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	The trillions of tiny greenish brown specks that are in the top water column are called "gloeotrichia." It blooms usually in mid-August when the water is warm and there has been lots of sun. It is an algae.

08-28-2014, 05:09 PM	#7
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,724 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	As I said, what we have is good according to the lady from DES.

08-29-2014, 07:20 AM	#8
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 554 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	If you Google "gloeotrichia," you can read all about this cyanobacteria. It is recommended that humans and pets DO NOT drink the water.

08-29-2014, 08:21 AM	#9
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,724 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	Oh no, you do not want to even swim where there is cyanobacteria -not even let your dogs swim in it. But fortunately that is not what we have now.

The Following User Says Thank You to BrownstoneNorth For This Useful Post:
beagle (08-30-2014)

08-29-2014, 11:36 AM	#11
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 554 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	BrownstoneNorth: Yes, you are correct, as this is the same information I was given several years ago when I inquired of the state about Gloeotrichia. There are shallow areas and sandy beaches located downwind where the concentrations of it are HORRIBLE. It looks like coffee grounds dumped in the lake. YECH! And when you swim in those areas, you will see the "specks" on the inside of your bathing suit. But in deeper waters you will see much less of it.

08-29-2014, 01:00 PM	#12
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,724 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	I think I need to explain. What we have now in the water we have had for many years in the month of August. The lady from the state said it is a good bacteria and means the lake is healthy. I don't know what it is called. I don't know if she was wrong but I know for sure what she told me because it was the first time I had ever seen it and I was worried. I have never seen the cyanobacteria but from being told by talking to someone from the Mirror Lake Assn. and reading the newspaper that people who lived on Mirror Lake were not supposed to use it at all and not let their dogs use it. That is all i know.

08-29-2014, 01:37 PM	#13
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 554 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	I think we are talking about the same stuff. Take a clear glass jar and take a sample of the water and you will clearly see many little brownish "dots" suspended in the water. THAT is Gloeotrichia. It has appeared every August as long as we've been coming up here. Apparently, from what I've read and been told, it is always in the water, but it lies dormant on the bottom until the temperature and sunlight conditions are right for it to bloom. It's okay to swim as long as it is not too concentrated (shallow coves where it is so thick that it floats on the surface) but it's not okay for humans and pets to drink water where there is an active Gloeotrichia bloom.