Manchester's Health Department Says Cyanobacteria Bloom Found At Crystal Lake Again

MANCHESTER, NH — The city of Manchester Health Department announced Tuesday the public beach at Crystal Lake is closed to swimming due to a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom.

The cyanobacteria bloom was observed during routine water sampling and confirmed via laboratory analysis, in water samples taken Monday.

A cyanobacteria bloom is an excessive growth of cyanobacteria capable of producing toxins harmful to human and animal health. Cyanobacteria blooms can appear in various unusual colors and shapes, and the NH Department of Environmental Services advises the public to avoid contact with water that appears "scummy," turbid, colorful, globular, or has concentrated flecks or specks.

Avoid all contact with bloom material or with water, including swimming, wading, kayaking, and other recreational activities in the vicinity of a bloom. Keep pets and livestock away from the water in the vicinity of a bloom. The Crystal Lake public beach will remain closed until there is no visible evidence of a bloom and follow-up samples are within acceptable limits.

The Manchester Health Department will monitor and reassess the area daily.

Once cyanobacteria levels are found to be acceptable, the public beach will be reopened for swimming. The Health Department will issue a press release when the new results are available.

Weekly water sample results are available here.

Submitted by the city of Manchester Health Department