7 New Hampshire Beaches, Including Hampton, North Hampton, And Northwood, Have Fecal Bacteria Advisories

CONCORD, NH — State health officials are reporting seven beaches and waterways with current fecal bacteria advisories, including four along the Atlantic Ocean.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ Healthy Swimming Mapper has advisories posted for the Hampton Harbor Beach, Hampton Beach State Park, Northside Park Beach (Plaice Cove), and North Hampton State Park Beach, with samples taken on Tuesday and reported on Wednesday. Resampling was conducted at all four beaches Thursday and results are expected Friday.

The Northwood Town Beach on Northwood Lake was sampled on Wednesday and results published Thursday. Resampling will take place next week.

Ellacoya RV State Park Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee was also sampled Tuesday with results published Wednesday. It will also be resampled on Friday.

Corcoran’s Pond Beach was sampled Wednesday and results published Thursday. Resampling will take place next week.

Cyanobacteria Reports

Eight Granite State parks and beaches are also reporting sightings and confirmations of cyanobacteria, but none of them are on the watch or warning lists.

Baboosic Lake in Amherst and Merrimack reported a bloom sighting and confirmation on Sunday.

Crystal Lake in Manchester was closed earlier this week due to cyanobacteria confirmation on Monday.

White Oak Pond in Holderness reported a bloom sighting and confirmation on Wednesday, as did Otter Lake in Greenfield.

Two reports of cyanobacteria were reported at Arlington Mill Reservoir in Salem on Wednesday.

On Monday, cyanobacteria were reported at Captain’s Pond in Salem.

Country Pond in Kingston and Newton reported blooms on July 11.

Health Warnings

Exposure to fecal bacteria can lead to digestive and respiratory illnesses, infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, and other significant health issues, state officials said.

Cyanobacteria blooms are not unique to New Hampshire and are found in many states and other parts of the world as well. Officials warned swimmers, waders, and pet owners that blooms and surface scum from cyanobacteria are natural occurrences, but exposure can lead to acute health effects, including skin irritation and damage to mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

To view the Healthy Swimming Mapper, visit this link.

For more information about cyanobacteria, check out this link on the NH DES site.

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