NHDES Cyanobacteria WATCH 8/9/24 Lake Winnisquam

When: August 9, 2024
Where: Lake Winnisquam, Sunray Shores, Belmont
Status: Watch (previously an Alert)
Bloom Description (picture below): Medium sized floating green clumps.
Tentative Sampling Plan: We will arrange for a sample collection if the bloom appears again. At this point a sample was not reviewed.
Notes: Bloom was first observed on Thursday morning but had dissipated by the end of the day. The bloom may return with sunny weather over the weekend. 

From the NH DES CyanoHAB team: A cyanobacteria Watch (previously called an Alert) has been issued at your lake. This watch is based on an image, not a sample review. We will email again with results following sampling.

Cyanobacteria bloom conditions can change rapidly, so it is best to be on the watch for developing conditions. NHDES urges lake users to perform visual  assessments of the water prior to recreating. Stay out of the water and keep pets out if you can see any visual accumulation or discoloration of the water and report it. Please see our newly updated FAQs for more information.

This is not an official cyanobacteria warning, and signs do not need to be posted. The watch will remain active for a week unless further reports of cyanobacteria are received. NHDES will only resample if worsening conditions are reported. I will be in contact again if conditions change, and an official warning is issued. You can also see watch details on the Health Swimming Mapper.

 For more information:
Frequently asked questions (including an watch vs. a warning)
Sign up for DES alerts for Lake Winnisquam