Candlewood Lake Authority Warns of Blue-Green Algae, New Fairfield Beach Closed

Brookfield, CT — For the second time so far this summer, the Candlewood Lake Authority is warning swimmers and beach goers of the presence of blue-green algae in the Candlewood Lake.

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New Fairfield's town beach closed on Wednesday due to the harmful blooms which can cause illness should people or pets come into contact with it. The CLA posted the following message Wednesday afternoon:

"There have been some reported blue-green algae blooms in some locations on the lake today, and we have been told that New Fairfield has closed their town beach due to a bloom there. Water samples have been taken for analysis. Just a reminder that it is recommended that you or your pets should not swim in water where you see a blue-green algae bloom present. For more information visit the CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection's page on blue-green algae."

The blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria blooms, release toxins that can cause irritations and illness in humans and pets.

In an interview last year with Candlewood Lake Authority's Executive Director Larry Marsicano, he explained what the blue-green algae blooms are and the possible health risks to humans and pets. Marsicano said residents should know that not all blooms are toxic. He further explained, “It is also important to know that even individual cells from the species that are known to produce the toxins are genetically coded to do so. Some individuals within a species of known toxin producers can produce it, some can’t.”

“Sometimes the cyanos don’t come all the way to the top and it can look like a flocculent below the surface and the water takes on a pea soup color. So when a determination is made that there is a bloom going on, the guidance is to close the beach and then test using cyanobacteria cells per mL and microcystin concentrations to determine public risk,” Marsicano explained.

The CLA has been collecting data on the lake since 1985 and, according to Marsicano, Candlewood has “always had a healthy population of cyanobacteria. What is new is our understanding of the potential health risk.”

If the algae produce toxins, symptoms can be serious, especially for children and small pets. These symptoms can affect the liver and kidneys and can cause possible neurological functions. Anyone who is exhibiting these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. Click here for safety precautions.

Residents can also contact CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) at (860) 424-3020 or visit the DEEP website for more detailed information athttp://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?A=2719&Q=510024.

Related:

Candlewood Lake Authority Warns of Blue-Green Algae | Patch

Candlewood Lake Authority Warns of Harmful Blue-Green Algae - Patch

Brookfield Officials Close Candlewood Town Park Indefinitely Due to Dangerous Blue Green Algae

Candlewood Lake Authority Warns of Blue-Green Algae

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