Arlington Mill Reservoir Cyanobacteria Advisory Lifted

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has removed a cyanobacteria advisory for Arlington Mill Reservoir issued in May. 20, 2022.

While the bloom accumulation has dissipated, the Department of Environmental Services advises that lake-goers look out for green surface accumulations in the future. According to a Department of Environmental Services statement, the advisory was not based on a toxin evaluation and was intended as a precautionary measure for short-term exposure. Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water.

Some cyanobacteria produce toxins are stored within the cells and released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage.