All Posts by Staff Report

It’s Time to Understand Cyanobacteria

Discovered three times last year on Ossipee Lake, cyanobacteria are on the rise around the state due to warming temperatures and increased phosphorus from runoff. It can be benign or it can be toxic, and it’s something every lake property owner should understand, as we found out at last weekend’s Wolfeboro Water Summit.

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Cyanobacteria Warning Remains in Effect for Danforth Pond

The state advises swimmers to avoid the blue-green algae scum patches and colored flecks that have been found along the pond’s shoreline and coves. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that can cause human health problems, but the state says the Danforth Pond warning is not based on a toxin evaluation. Instead, it is intended as a precautionary measure.

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State Removes Berry Bay Cyanobacteria Advisory

The warning was issued on June 22 after the state collected water samples at the head of the Ossipee River dam. Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, but blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Potential acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. No further blooms have been observed in this area at this time, according to the state.

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