First Cyanobacteria Warnings of 2024 Issued for Lake Winnipesaukee

[Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance]

We've fielded many calls today regarding blooms observed all around the lake. NHDES has also received reports of blooms in the Broads, Center Harbor, and Governor's Island.

Bloom conditions are dynamic, potentially changing hourly. Perform your self risk assessments by looking at the water for any unusual growth or discoloration, such as clouds, ribbons or flecks in the water prior to recreating. If you see anything suspicious or are uncertain, stay out of the water, and please keep pets out as well.

Warnings are issued by NHDES when cell counts exceed 70,000 cells/ml. Counts reported today at the Broads were 80,500 dolichospermum off of Rattlesnake Island, 245,000 cells dolichospermum at Sleepers Point.

Counts at the Center Harbor town beach were 847,000 cells dolichospernum, Additional bloom reports were received for Salmon Meadow Cove and between Avery and Cook's Point.

Sample analysis for the Moultonborough town beach reported 394,000 cells/ml dolichospermum, and Hermit Cove at 476,000 cells/ml.

Additional samples were reviewed from Winter Harbor, Jockey Cove, Sewall Road area and Wolfeboro Bay, all in Wolfeboro.

To stay up to date on these warnings, you shoud sign up for NHDES Waterbody Specific Notifications. You can check the status of the warnings and alerts using the Healthy Swimming Mapper. If you suspect a bloom, please use the NHDES Reporting Tool and contact LWA.

As Cyanobacteria blooms become a more frequent topic of conversation with your friends and family please take the opportunity to tell them about LWA’s work on this issue, and remember, "When in doubt, stay out!"

NHDES will be resampling the areas that had warnings implemented on 6/12 as well as additional areas around the lake tomorrow

Bree Rossiter
Conservation Program Manager