BENNINGTON –– A cyanobacteria warning advisory that was first issued on Aug. 28 has been reissued for Whittemore Lake, according to a statement released on Sept. 27 by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
The warning was reissued due to recent reports of cyanobacteria blooms on the lake. Despite the fluctuating conditions of the cyanobacteria bloom, NHDES has confirmed the presence of the potentially toxic material and will not be collecting another sample for additional testing.
“We apologize for the back and forth on this – but cyanobacteria blooms are inherently dynamic,” said Kate Langley Hastings, Cyanobacteria HAB Program Coordinator at NHDES, in her statement. “Though the town beach was below the recreational level yesterday, other parts of the lake appear to be experiencing bloom conditions still.”
Residents who wish to have a sample reviewed are welcome to bring it to the NHDES lab in Concord, following the proper sampling and delivery instructions posted on the NHDES website.
In light of the potential toxicity of these blooms, residents are reminded to take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask, and washing hands well with freshwater after handling bloom material.
NHDES plans to resample the lake on Tuesday, Oct. 3. In the meantime, officials have advised that signs should be placed at public access points around the lake to warn visitors of the cyanobacteria bloom.
Sample drop-off hours at the NHDES building on 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Residents are asked to coordinate with Hastings when samples will be delivered.
