Cyanobacteria Beach Advisory Issued for Post Pond in Lyme

Lyme — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issued a cyanobacteria beach advisory and lake warning for Post Pond in Lyme today. 

Based on a visual inspection, a cyanobacteria bloom is accumulating at Chase Beach, according to the DES press release. Cyanobacteria blooms are caused by a variety of factors including warm water temperatures, high light availability and nutrient loading, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Chase Beach bloom appeared white, indicating cell death. Toxins, which can cause health affects, may be released as the bloom decays. 

DES urges lake users to avoid water that has surface scum, green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore. NHDES also asks pet owners to keep their pets out of such water.

If people are exposed to toxins released by cyanobacteria blooms, they may experience acute health effects including irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic health effects can include liver and central nervous system damage. 

The advisory will remain in effect until additional samples — which DES will collected weekly — reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished.