The best way to inform in case your favourite NH swimming spot is secure from cyanobacteria

The previous two years noticed unprecedented numbers of cyanobacteria warnings in New Hampshire. And, up to now, it looks as if 2025 is about for an additional large bloom 12 months.

According to Amy Smagula, chief aquatic biologist on the state Department of Environmental Services, about 52 experiences of cyanobacteria blooms have already been recorded this 12 months.

Read extra concerning the connection between our altering local weather and cyanobacteria blooms. 

Cyanobacteria blooms launch dangerous toxins that may trigger gentle to life-threatening illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few of the commonest signs embody vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash and cough.

To keep secure, Smagula urged individuals to maintain this mantra in thoughts: “Look. Check. Report.”

• Look: Water with inexperienced, blue, white or purple patches, or with areas that resemble the within of a snow globe, can comprise cyanobacteria. Water that smells odd or fishy may be an indication. If you discover a number of wildlife close by, equivalent to geese or geese and even canine, it’s additionally finest to keep away from swimming. You must also verify for any indicators across the space for potential cyanobacteria warnings. 

• Check: Search the Healthy Swimming Mapper web site for any lively warnings or watches of cyanobacteria blooms. That web site has just lately been up to date to indicate extra localized info, so now you can see the precise spot the place a bloom was reported in a water physique. 
• Report: If you discover the water wanting unusual however don’t see any experiences on the map, be sure to fill out a bloom report. Cyanobacteria blooms evolve shortly, so sending these experiences helps the Department of Environmental Services present the freshest info.