http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?cid=12536&cat=dis&lang=engPotentially toxic algae was discovered in Country Pond yesterday, prompting the state Department of Environmental Services to issue a bacteria advisory for the 255-acre body of water. The cyanobacteria bloom - a large mass of blue-green algae floating on the surface - was found near the shoreline of the town beach, and the DES advises the public to avoid the water and keep pets away. Country Pond is the second pond in the area to be closed within a week. The town's health officer ordered signs posted at the closed beach, and lifeguards will inform people about the bacteria. The state will retest bacteria levels later this week. Country Pond is the third pond in the state to have unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which can cause health problems. Showell Pond in Sandown and Willand Pond in Somersworth were closed earlier this month. The bacteria forms a scum containing toxins that can cause everything from skin irritation, vomiting and diarrhea to liver and central nervous system damage. "Lifeguards will remain on duty to inform and educate and instruct people," said Richard Bailey, chairman of the town Recreation Commission. This is the third year in a row that cyanobacteria has bloomed in Country Pond. The state discovered the unsafe level of bacteria yesterday during routine testing of town beach water. Health Officer Robert Leverone was notified, and a notice was posted at the beach.
"People need to take notice of the beach advisory at the present time," Leverone said. "Hopefully, this won't be more than a few days, and we can go back to enjoying the water." Cyanobacteria is found in many bodies of water but only blooms to form toxins when warm water, bright sunshine and excess phosphorus combine. Jody Connor, director of limnology for the DES, said phosphorus ends up in the water because of runoff from septic systems and people fertilizing their lawns. When property around a lake is developed and trees are cut down, the natural buffer that keeps chemicals from entering the water disappears. "It's going to get worse as long as development continues to occur," Connor said. "We're making the problem worse." Connor said the problem is growing statewide. The DES said that while exposure to cyanobacteria toxins is a major concern, there have been no documented cases of cyanotoxin-related illness in New Hampshire. Sandown and Newton have been combating the algae in ponds for three or four years. Residents are combining forces to stamp out the problematic bacteria that can close ponds for weeks.
In Sandown, residents living near Showell Pond have tested their own water for four years and warn each other of cyanobacteria blooms. Those who live around the 20-acre pond formed a group to keep track of water quality and discuss possible treatment plans with the selectmen. Residents living near Phillips Pond, which is fed by Showell Pond, created an association to deal with exotic weeds and have mobilized to fight cyanobacteria. In Newton, Jim Baker is a member of the Country Pond Water Quality Committee, formed by residents who live along the pond. Baker said the group is unhappy with the town's response to concerns about the pond. "They've done some minor things, but they need to get more involved," Baker said. "We're working pretty much neighborhood by neighborhood to figure out what's been happening." The challenge of cyanobacteria is that it's difficult to treat, Connor said. The blooms continue to grow with a lot of sunlight and warm water, so it is possible the pond may not be safe until the weather becomes cooler in late summer. Even then, some cells drop to the lake's bottom, meaning they will probably bloom. Those who live around the pond can help by not fertilizing their lawns and ensuring they pump their septic systems regularly, Connor said.)
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and more and more lakes and ponds in Canada have become poisoned
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