Cyanobacteria in New Hampshire Waters – The Next Major Potential Threat to Milton Three Ponds

Last summer there was a reported cyanobacteria bloom on Lakeside Drive on Northeast Pond.  This was the first confirmed bloom reported to TPPA.  Thankfully it dissipated within one day resulting in a minor disruption to area residents’ recreational activities.  Cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) are photosynthetic bacteria that naturally occur in most of our water bodies in New Hampshire generally at numbers near the minimum level of detection.  Some species of cyanobacteria grow in colonies to form surface water “blooms.”  Blooms can occur when conditions of warm water temperatures coincide with increased nutrients in the water column.  Although cyanobacteria blooms are considered aesthetically displeasing, they can contain toxins that are harmful to humans, domestic animals, and aquatic life. 

The following selected slides from the NH Department of Environmental Services will help explain why cyanobacteria is a concern and how to report a potential bloom: