Cyanobacteria Warning for Winnisquam

Onshore · 06-27-2008, 12:56 PM

I know this pertains to Winnisquam but I thought it may be appropriate to post here anyway since many members live close by. This is an official DES press release that I was copied on.

News from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 27, 2008

CONTACT: Jody Connor (603) 271-3414 or 419-9229
Teresa Ptak (603) 271-8803

State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Winnisquam Lake

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria warning for those who recreate on Winnisquam Lake including the town beaches located in both Sanbornton and Belmont and Bartlett Beach in Laconia. The June 27, 2008 warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished. DES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing cyanobacteria scums. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have a surface scum.

DES routinely monitors public beaches and lakes for cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are natural components of many water bodies in New Hampshire. Cyanobacteria may bloom and form surface scums when excess phosphorus and ample sunlight are available. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and released when the cells die. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects ranging in severity from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to liver and central nervous system damage.

DES monitors and inspects public beaches throughout the state to better protect public health. Beach and lake users should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria scums. Often they form dense surface scums are bright green or blue-green in color; or blooms may cause entire lakes to take on a blue-green hue. Sometimes they resemble paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water.

Visit the DES Beach Program website at www.des.nh.gov/Beaches/cyanobacteria.html for photos and more information about cyanobacteria.

If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact DES immediately. Please call DES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603)419-9229

###

LakeSnake · 06-27-2008, 02:58 PM

I just saw this on BostonHerald.Com:

Warnings posted at 6 NH beaches

LACONIA, N.H.—Warnings have been posted at six New Hampshire beaches about poor water quality.

State environmental officials are advising swimmers of problems with bacteria at Pirates Cove Beach in Rye, Darrah Pond Beach in Litchfield, Lake Winnisquam Beach in Sanbornton and Weirs Beach, Opechee Park Beach and Bartlett Beach, all in Laconia.

The state regularly tests 170 beaches from mid June to Labor Day.

feb · 06-27-2008, 03:12 PM

Are they saying the entire lake or do they really mean the vicinity of Ahern Beach? I guess there is no reason for it to be concentrated to just the Park, but to warn against the entire lake seems a little aggressive.

Onshore · 06-27-2008, 03:48 PM

Yes, the warning is for the whole lake.

I just wandered over to the lab and asked the state limnologist about the sampling. They have confirmed high levels of cyanobacteria at the 3 beaches mentioned and visual inspection revealed that the bloom extends throughout the length of the lake. It is something people should be on the lookout for lakewide.

feb · 06-27-2008, 04:15 PM

Wow, that is scary, both short term and long term. I guess I'm used to hearing about this beach or that beach closed due to ecoli. But this seems a little bit more drastic.

Any idea what the cause is? It seems real early in the summer to start this stuff. I thought algae blooms were an August event.

I know I'm splitting hairs but if you don't see the blooms in the area you normally swim, is it still suggested to stay outof the water.

For those of you visiting Winnisquam this weekend, do you actually plan to stay out of the water. I can hear the Jaws theme right now.....

kaj · 06-27-2008, 04:16 PM

from des.nh.gov/beaches

Current Advisories

Friday, June 27, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beach: Lake Winnisquam Town Beach, Sanbornton
Start Date: 6/24/2008
Advisory: Cyanobacteria bloom. Over 90% of algae collected was Anabaena circinalis, a cyanobacteria capable of producing neurotoxins and hepatoxins.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beach: Pirates Cove Beach Rye,NH
Start Date: 06/25/2008
Advisory: An advisory has been posted due to an Enterococci count above the State standard. The advisory will be removed when the re-sample values fall below the State standard of 104counts/100mL of water.

Skipper of the Sea Que · 06-27-2008, 05:22 PM

Here are the news reports about the high bacteria levels at 6 NH beaches including 3 in Laconia:

Warnings posted at 6 NH beaches From WCAX TV (an AP story)

The Union Leader also has their own story Health warnings posted for swimmers

Swimmers, take due notice thereof and govern yourselves accordingly.

I know that Weirs Beach has had warnings for a few days several times in past years. Lets hope this is a short duration situation. I wonder if new speed limits will ease this problem....

Orion · 06-29-2008, 09:54 AM

NH should consider a law similar to the MA Title V law which requires that a septic system be brought up to code prior to transfer of ownership of a property. While there are a lot of laws in MA I don't agree with, this one is pretty much a win-win for residents in environmentally sensitive areas such as Winnipesaukee and could result in a cleaner lake as time moves on. There are still a lot of "camps" around the lake with little or no septic system, and sometimes as little as a buried 55 gal drum within 50 feet of shore. This has no impact on legacy owners of these camps (though they should upgrade on their own), and allows the cost of the septic to be a consideration in the sale transaction. Just a thought.

ITD · 06-29-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion

NH should consider a law similar to the MA Title V law which requires that a septic system be brought up to code prior to transfer of ownership of a property. While there are a lot of laws in MA I don't agree with, this one is pretty much a win-win for residents in environmentally sensitive areas such as Winnipesaukee and could result in a cleaner lake as time moves on. There are still a lot of "camps" around the lake with little or no septic system, and sometimes as little as a buried 55 gal drum within 50 feet of shore. This has no impact on legacy owners of these camps (though they should upgrade on their own), and allows the cost of the septic to be a consideration in the sale transaction. Just a thought.

They already do, someone smarter than I can tell you the details, but I went thru it with two properties, it's an inspection to make sure the system is functioning properly.

scubajay1153 · 06-29-2008, 11:17 AM

I am curious as the effect the large discharge pipe underwater at the southern Ahern Beach has on these bacteria counts. This pipe is a good foot to foot and ahalf around and extends a good 100 feet or more under the water to an area about 10-15 feet deep. Obviously water flows from it by the contour of the mud/sand around it and the high mussel population at its end must be due to a high nutrient level? There arent any storm drain in the park but there is a pumping station so it makes me wonder.

SAMIAM · 06-29-2008, 08:20 PM

Scuba...good question....I'd like to know the answere. Most of the algae blooms occur after heavy rains that cause major runoff from lawns and storm drains. After a few days it should get back to normal.

hockeypuck · 07-11-2008, 07:03 AM

Check out www.citizen.com another blue green algae bloom, only this time in Meredith.

fatlazyless · 07-11-2008, 07:27 AM

That aerial photo shows the discolored water located between the dock of the Inn at Bay Point, the shorelne, and the little island with the statue of an indian. I've kayaked through there a few times, and it's about two-three feet deep with a smooth sandy bottom. At the top of the bay, close to route 25, and fed by the creek from the huge backwater wetlands from behind the Meredith Village Savings Bank. There's some of that thick weedy green stuff growing there as well.

I haven't got anything intelligent to say except drinking that stuff can't be a good thing.

SAMIAM · 07-11-2008, 08:19 AM

Most of Winnisquam is fine....only Ahearn and Bartlett are showing algae blooms.The sand bar by the bridge is still packed with boats and swimmers.
Meredith bay on Winni has blooms but no beaches there.
Always happens after heavy rains which causes lawn fertilizers to run into the lake.

GWC... · 07-11-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by online Citizen

Toxic algae blooms in area lakes

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...760/-1/CITIZEN

Looks like "red tide" in Meredith...

Name: Meredith Algae Bloom.jpg
Views: 2203
Size: 7.6 KB

06-27-2008, 12:56 PM	#1
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503 Thanks: 12 Thanked 425 Times in 146 Posts	Cyanobacteria Warning for Winnisquam I know this pertains to Winnisquam but I thought it may be appropriate to post here anyway since many members live close by. This is an official DES press release that I was copied on. News from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 27, 2008 CONTACT: Jody Connor (603) 271-3414 or 419-9229 Teresa Ptak (603) 271-8803 State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Winnisquam Lake Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has issued a cyanobacteria warning for those who recreate on Winnisquam Lake including the town beaches located in both Sanbornton and Belmont and Bartlett Beach in Laconia. The June 27, 2008 warning will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished. DES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing cyanobacteria scums. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have a surface scum. DES routinely monitors public beaches and lakes for cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are natural components of many water bodies in New Hampshire. Cyanobacteria may bloom and form surface scums when excess phosphorus and ample sunlight are available. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and released when the cells die. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects ranging in severity from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to liver and central nervous system damage. DES monitors and inspects public beaches throughout the state to better protect public health. Beach and lake users should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria scums. Often they form dense surface scums are bright green or blue-green in color; or blooms may cause entire lakes to take on a blue-green hue. Sometimes they resemble paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water. Visit the DES Beach Program website at www.des.nh.gov/Beaches/cyanobacteria.html for photos and more information about cyanobacteria. If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact DES immediately. Please call DES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603)419-9229 ###

06-27-2008, 03:12 PM	#3
feb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith (Winnisquam) & Nashua, NH Posts: 215 Thanks: 25 Thanked 20 Times in 17 Posts	The whole lake?!?!? Are they saying the entire lake or do they really mean the vicinity of Ahern Beach? I guess there is no reason for it to be concentrated to just the Park, but to warn against the entire lake seems a little aggressive.

06-27-2008, 04:15 PM	#5
feb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith (Winnisquam) & Nashua, NH Posts: 215 Thanks: 25 Thanked 20 Times in 17 Posts	Sign of the Times?? Wow, that is scary, both short term and long term. I guess I'm used to hearing about this beach or that beach closed due to ecoli. But this seems a little bit more drastic. Any idea what the cause is? It seems real early in the summer to start this stuff. I thought algae blooms were an August event. I know I'm splitting hairs but if you don't see the blooms in the area you normally swim, is it still suggested to stay outof the water. For those of you visiting Winnisquam this weekend, do you actually plan to stay out of the water. I can hear the Jaws theme right now.....

06-27-2008, 04:16 PM	#6
kaj Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Weirs Posts: 56 Thanks: 17 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	from des.nh.gov/beaches Current Advisories Friday, June 27, 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beach: Lake Winnisquam Town Beach, Sanbornton Start Date: 6/24/2008 Advisory: Cyanobacteria bloom. Over 90% of algae collected was Anabaena circinalis, a cyanobacteria capable of producing neurotoxins and hepatoxins. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beach: Pirates Cove Beach Rye,NH Start Date: 06/25/2008 Advisory: An advisory has been posted due to an Enterococci count above the State standard. The advisory will be removed when the re-sample values fall below the State standard of 104counts/100mL of water. __________________ Absolutely the best place in the world to live or play

06-27-2008, 05:22 PM	#7
Skipper of the Sea Que Deceased Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 1/2 way between Boston & Providence Posts: 573 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 32 Thanked 55 Times in 22 Posts	"news" stories about the beach bacteria warnings, including Weirs Here are the news reports about the high bacteria levels at 6 NH beaches including 3 in Laconia: Warnings posted at 6 NH beaches From WCAX TV (an AP story) The Union Leader also has their own story Health warnings posted for swimmers Swimmers, take due notice thereof and govern yourselves accordingly. I know that Weirs Beach has had warnings for a few days several times in past years. Lets hope this is a short duration situation. I wonder if new speed limits will ease this problem.... __________________ Amateur HAM Radio What is it? You'll be surprised. When all else fails Ham Radio still works. Shriners Hospitals *providing specialized care for children regardless of ability to pay*. Find out more or refer a patient.

06-27-2008, 02:58 PM	#2
LakeSnake Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pine (Alton) Mountain Posts: 138 Thanks: 39 Thanked 33 Times in 20 Posts	I just saw this on BostonHerald.Com: Warnings posted at 6 NH beaches LACONIA, N.H.—Warnings have been posted at six New Hampshire beaches about poor water quality. State environmental officials are advising swimmers of problems with bacteria at Pirates Cove Beach in Rye, Darrah Pond Beach in Litchfield, Lake Winnisquam Beach in Sanbornton and Weirs Beach, Opechee Park Beach and Bartlett Beach, all in Laconia. The state regularly tests 170 beaches from mid June to Labor Day.

06-27-2008, 03:48 PM	#4
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503 Thanks: 12 Thanked 425 Times in 146 Posts	Yes, the warning is for the whole lake. I just wandered over to the lab and asked the state limnologist about the sampling. They have confirmed high levels of cyanobacteria at the 3 beaches mentioned and visual inspection revealed that the bloom extends throughout the length of the lake. It is something people should be on the lookout for lakewide.

06-29-2008, 09:54 AM	#8
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	mandatory septic system updates NH should consider a law similar to the MA Title V law which requires that a septic system be brought up to code prior to transfer of ownership of a property. While there are a lot of laws in MA I don't agree with, this one is pretty much a win-win for residents in environmentally sensitive areas such as Winnipesaukee and could result in a cleaner lake as time moves on. There are still a lot of "camps" around the lake with little or no septic system, and sometimes as little as a buried 55 gal drum within 50 feet of shore. This has no impact on legacy owners of these camps (though they should upgrade on their own), and allows the cost of the septic to be a consideration in the sale transaction. Just a thought.

06-29-2008, 11:17 AM	#10
scubajay1153 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gilford Posts: 93 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts	Discharge pipe I am curious as the effect the large discharge pipe underwater at the southern Ahern Beach has on these bacteria counts. This pipe is a good foot to foot and ahalf around and extends a good 100 feet or more under the water to an area about 10-15 feet deep. Obviously water flows from it by the contour of the mud/sand around it and the high mussel population at its end must be due to a high nutrient level? There arent any storm drain in the park but there is a pumping station so it makes me wonder.

06-29-2008, 08:20 PM	#11
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,920 Thanks: 341 Thanked 1,693 Times in 595 Posts	Scuba...good question....I'd like to know the answere. Most of the algae blooms occur after heavy rains that cause major runoff from lawns and storm drains. After a few days it should get back to normal.

07-11-2008, 07:03 AM	#12
hockeypuck Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern CT Posts: 169 Thanks: 19 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Cyanobacteria again Check out www.citizen.com another blue green algae bloom, only this time in Meredith.

07-11-2008, 07:27 AM	#13
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,846 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 303 Thanked 1,033 Times in 752 Posts	That aerial photo shows the discolored water located between the dock of the Inn at Bay Point, the shorelne, and the little island with the statue of an indian. I've kayaked through there a few times, and it's about two-three feet deep with a smooth sandy bottom. At the top of the bay, close to route 25, and fed by the creek from the huge backwater wetlands from behind the Meredith Village Savings Bank. There's some of that thick weedy green stuff growing there as well. I haven't got anything intelligent to say except drinking that stuff can't be a good thing. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 07-11-2008 at 07:59 AM.

07-11-2008, 08:19 AM	#14
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,920 Thanks: 341 Thanked 1,693 Times in 595 Posts	Most of Winnisquam is fine....only Ahearn and Bartlett are showing algae blooms.The sand bar by the bridge is still packed with boats and swimmers. Meredith bay on Winni has blooms but no beaches there. Always happens after heavy rains which causes lawn fertilizers to run into the lake.