The state has lifted swimming and wading restrictions at Scoby Pond, which was closed last week after state testing detected cyanobacteria.
The advisory was first issued on Aug. 19, and algae blooms were sighted on the lake. The town discontinued the last week of swim lessons and lifeguard supervision at the Scoby Pond beach due to the advisory.
“The bloom quickly dissipated and there have been no sightings of the bloom since it was first issued,” Amanda McQuaid, the beach program coordinator for the Department of Environmental Services wrote in a press release issued Wednesday.
However, McQuaid noted, during subsequent testing on Tuesday did reveal there were still levels of cyanobacteria present in the surface levels of the water, though they are below the state standard for an advisory warning.
McQuaid advised residents to continue to monitor the shoreline for changing conditions, particularly for surface scum, change in watercolor, or clumps of blue-green flecks.
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in water bodies and can bloom or create surface scum when excess nutrients are in the water. Some forms of the bacteria can be toxic and cause acute and chronic health impacts, which can range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage.
During times of high concentration of cyanobacteria, residents are advised to keep out of the water and not allow their pets to drink or swim in it.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.