State REMOVES Cyanobacteria Advisory for Tucker Pond in Salisbury/Warner, NH

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has removed a cyanobacteria advisory for Tucker Pond. A heavy bloom of Woronichinia had dominated the lake for several weeks (see image below). The bloom was first observed on July 2, 2020. Since the start of this advisory, NHDES and volunteers have been monitoring the water weekly to biweekly. The most recent samples were collected on November 3 with no cyanobacteria found in deep water samples. However, the bloom had been periodically accumulating near the outlet and various coves, with last reported sightings during the week of November 9. As of November 19, the water appears clear and no scums have been spotted. Please continue to monitor your individual shoreline for changing conditions. Avoid swimming in areas that appear green, discolored, turbid, and/or creating a surface scum.

NHDES monitors public beaches and public waters of the state for cyanobacteria. Once a cyanobacteria advisory has been issued, NHDES returns to affected waterbodies weekly until the cyanobacteria standards are again met. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have a cyanobacteria bloom.

This advisory was not based on a toxin evaluation and was intended as a precautionary measure for short term exposure. Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage. Be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors, or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore.

The advisory went into effect on July 10 and was removed on November 19, 2020 (133 days).