The Hancock Town Beach at Norway Pond is under advisory until further notice after sightings of harmful cyanobacteria close to the shore. Signs posted at the beach warn that the water is “not suitable for wading or swimming.”
Results of a water test to judge the spread of the algae have not come back, but the town of Hancock has lifeguards going to the pond every morning for a visual check, according to Town Administrator Diane Kendall.
“We’re waiting to hear from DES [the Department of Environmental Services] for the water samples,” she said. “There were still indications of the cyanobacteria over the weekend.”
According to the DES website, the advisory has been in affect since Aug. 2. It is one of six current advisories in the state and one of three relating to cyanobacteria.
According to the online posting: “A cyanobacteria beach advisory is being issued to alert people and pet owners to the possibility of harmful toxins in the water at the beach. Avoid contact with areas of the water that are cloudy and greenish.”
Cyanobacteria is an algae growth common after rainfall, according to Kendall.
Hancock had problems with Norway Pond in the past because of its Canada goose population. The town took measures to deter the geese, including applying for a permit to use lethal means, which has not been granted or declined yet. Kendall says there have been no geese sitings, but they tend not to arrive until late summer.
There are three current water advisories in the state due to “fecal bacteria,” which can come from geese. Norway Pond is not among those.
Cyanobacteria is a blue-green growth that can be present in the water even if it is not visible. Drinking contaminated water can lead to digestive illness and labored breathing, and people have reported irritated skin after swimming in it. It is harmful to animals as well as humans.
Right now the advisory is a warning, and the visual checks will continue.
Kendall said, “Without official notice from the state, the health officer is leaving the warning up.”