Cyanobacteria Reports Rampant Around New Hampshire's Lakes And Ponds: Healthy Swimming Mapper

CONCORD, NH — For the most part, according to forecasters, it is going to be a pretty good weather weekend in New Hampshire.

However, if you’re going to go out swimming, be careful, since there are dozens of cyanobacteria and fecal bacteria reports around the state.

On the Seacoast, the Healthy Swimming Mapper is reporting fecal bacteria advisories at North Hampton State Park Beach, with the most recent sampling conducted on Thursday, and additional results are expected to be released on Saturday. There is also a report of fecal bacteria at Seabrook Harbor Beach on Thursday, with more sampling scheduled on Monday and Tuesday. Pawtuckaway State Park Beach in Nottingham, Canaan Street Lake Town Beach in Canaan, and Ellacoya State Park Beach in Gilford are also reporting fecal bacteria advisories.

Recent cyanobacteria sightings include Kezar Lake in Sutton, Squam Lake and at Sandwich Bay in Holderness, Winnisquam Lake in Laconia, Sunrise Lake in Middleton, Mendums Pond in Barrington, Crystal Lake in Manchester, Greenwood Pond in Kingston, Arlington Lake in Salem, Half Moon Pond in Litchfield, multiple locations on Province Lake in Wakefield, and multiple places on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Cyanobacteria blooms have also been reported during the past two weeks at Lake Francis in Pittsburg, Squam Lake, Winnisquam Lake, Province Lake, two locations at Greenwood Pond, Jenness Pond in Northwood, multiple spots on Baboosic Lake, multiple locations at Sunrise Lake, multiple sightings on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro, and multiple places on Lake Winnipesaukee.

State Health Warnings

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.

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

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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