Canaan
The cyanobacteria warning, issued last week, advises people to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cell conditions. Those areas typically have surface scum or “blue-green flecks,” according to a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services news release.
Pet owners also are asked to keep their animals away from affected areas.
The warning is not based on a toxic evaluation of the pond and is only intended as a precautionary measure, the release said. DES officials are expected to visit the pond weekly until levels fall below state standards.
Cyanobacteria is natural to lakes and ponds worldwide, according to the DES. Once it an excess of phosphorus is available, the bacteria blooms, creating surface scum and potentially harmful toxins.
Those toxins can cause irritation of skin and mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people also could experience more chronic complications such as damage to the liver and central nervous system, the release said.
People can find a list of New Hampshire beaches and current advisories at the Department of Environmental Services.