All Laconia beaches clear from swimming advisories

There was one reported cyanobacteria bloom on Lake Winnipesaukee, and a cyanobacteria warning remained in effect on Huntress Pond in Barnstead, heading into the weekend. 

On Moultonborough Neck near Sobel Road, a community member reported a possible cyanobacteria bloom to New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services staff on July 22. The person who submitted the report was apparently standing near the shoreline and observed the potential bloom also along the shoreline, according to the NHDES Healthy Swimming Mapper.

The material appeared heavier deeper in the water and resembled a snow globe, according to the report. A sample was collected the same day, and NHDES staff noted the cell density was “too numerous to count.”

No new information about that bloom is available.

While there are other reports of cyanobacteria blooms throughout New Hampshire, the only active cyanobacteria warning in the state is the result of blooms on Huntress Pond. 

That warning was issued on July 29, and remained in effect on Thursday afternoon. NHDES staff conducted resampling on Aug. 5, and noted the cell density was still “too numerous to count.” Upon initial testing, scientists identified planktothrix and dolichospermum, two kinds of cyanobacteria. 

The bloom looks like green flecks and clumps of material.

And a reported cyanobacteria bloom on Lake Winnisquam in the area of Pond Road in Belmont is no longer listed on the NHDES Healthy Swimming Mapper.

A citizen observed a bloom near the shoreline while boating on July 28, describing it as both surface scum and material dispersed through the deeper waters. A sample collected the next day indicated 720,000 cells per mL of planktothrix.

Check the Healthy Swimming Mapper for yourself at des.nh.gov/water/healthy-swimming/healthy-swimming-mapper.

A cyanobacteria warning is issued on a waterbody when samples exceed 70,000 cells per mL at multiple locations. A watch may be issued based only on a photograph, when the cyanobacteria density is approaching 70,000 cells per mL, when only one sample exceeds 70,000 cells per mL, or when the bloom material has passed. 

Cyanobacteria reports provide information from a specific point in time, and may not reflect current conditions on a given body of water. NHDES staff advise the public to avoid making contact with the water in areas where bloom material is observed, as well as restricting pet access to the water.

Warnings do not close a body of water to recreation, but NHDES staff advise activities near visible bloom material should be avoided. Cyanobacteria material grows lake-wide, and accumulates on the shoreline due to wind, wave and boat action. The whole waterbody may not be simultaneously affected, but material can move around to various parts of the lake.

NHDES staff recommend swimmers conduct a self-risk assessment to minimize immediate danger: visually evaluate the waters for discoloration or unusual growth — cyanobacteria can look like clouds, scums, mats, streaks or clumps along the shoreline or in the water; and if you see something suspicious and report it, don’t swim in, wade through or drink the water. Keep pets and livestock away from suspicious waters. 

If you come in contact with bloom material, wash yourself and your pets with clean water. Contact a medical provider or a veterinarian if symptoms occur. Report suspected cyanobacteria blooms at survey123.arcgis.com/share/151c9fc3c8214c2e93325f77e0f1d578.

You can sign up for waterbody-specific email alerts at lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/pHPCXq8/healthyswimming.

And the beaches in the City of Laconia were free from fecal bacteria advisories Thursday afternoon, a Parks and Recreation staffer said. They’ll conduct beach testing again early next week.