The State Department of Public Health maintains an active list of confirmed cyanobacteria blooms on their website:
#ALGAE BLOOM SKIN#
Skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth and liver damage.However, all cyanobacteria blooms are treated as potentially toxic to ensure public health. Cyanobacteria MAY give off microcystin toxins.
What are the health concerns associated with cyanobacteria?Ī confirmation of cyanobacteria bloom does not necessarily indicate it is toxic. Take a photo, document location and send to Plymouth Public Health or Plymouth Marine and Environmental Departments.
Advisories are not lifted until the water has been consistently clear for TWO WEEKS.It is up to private pond associations to incorporate testing into their management plan, should they wish to do so.Associations without public access are encouraged to post this sign in visible areas once a bloom is confirmed.Ponds with active blooms are identified and confirmed by visual observation for cyanobacteria by the state.Only public bathing beaches are tested for e-coli bacteria per state health regulations, due to the large number of water bodies and expense of testing.What water bodies are tested in Plymouth? Cyanobacteria Bloom Response Procedures.
What steps does the Town take when a resident reports a bloom? Click here to be notified of the latest updates and notifications on ponds and other Public Health topics.