Cyanobacteria Warning Issued for Horseshoe Pond

Residents are being advised by the state to keep a close eye during activities in and around Horseshoe Pond due to an extensive amount of bluish-green clouds of cyanobacteria in the water.

According to a press release from DES, samples collected throughout the pond were composed of Coelosphareium, Anabaena, Spirulina, Microcystis and Oscillatoria, which are all capable of producing toxins harmful to humans and pets.

The warning is a precautionary measure, the press release says, to prevent short term exposure to cyanobacteria toxins. It is not based on a toxin evaluation. DES advises users of Horseshoe pond to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing a surface scum or blue-green clouds. It also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of water that has a surface scum or blue-green clouds.

Residents are asked to continue to monitor their individual shoreline for changing conditions and avoid areas of contamination.

The bacteria warning was issued Wednesday, July 17, and will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished. The lake will be re-inspected in seven days to assess conditions.

More from the DES warning:

DES routinely monitors public beaches and public waters of the state for cyanobacteria. Once a cyanobacteria warning has been issued, DES returns to affected waterbodies on a weekly basis until the cyanobacteria bloom is not evident. Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, but blooms and surface scums may form when excess phosphorus is available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells but released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic effects include liver and central nervous system damage.

Visit the DES Beach Program website for photos and more information about cyanobacteria.

Updates on advisories and warnings may be obtained here.

You can also follow the Beaches Twitter feed. 

If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact DES immediately. Please call DES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603) 419-9229.