New Hampshire,'s Willand Pond is poisoned (algal)

[donsu]

from RSOE HAARIA


A toxic algae bloom has forced the indefinite closure of Willand Pond. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, has shown up throughout the pond, likely the result of many things, including nearby construction, runoff and even natural growth, said Sara Sumner, volunteer lake assessment program coordinator for the state Department of Environmental Services. "It's a combination of factors; it's never just one," she said. The green algae is more than just an inconvenience though, Sumner said, noting that if ingested, it can sicken humans and pets, necessitating closure of the entire pond. Toxins in the algae bloom can cause a wide range of health problems, from nausea and vomiting to skin irritations and damage to the central nervous system. "It's pea soup, basically, over there," she said. Willand Pond will be closed until the algae growth naturally subsides, Sumner said, which could take all summer. "It could be there for a week or it could go on for months," she said. "It all depends on weather conditions and basically conditions in the pond itself."
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another emergency source of drinking water gone

[AllieB]

1. Where exactly is Willand Pond in NH?

It probably means that nearby ponds are affected as well.

[uppityperson]

2. Our area (NW WA) has several lakes closed due to this also.

2 dogs died last yr drinking this water. Can't swim, eat fish, bathe, etc