Candlewood Lake Authority Warns of Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Area Lake

Brookfield, CT — The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) which serves the five lake towns surrounding Candlewood Lake is asking residents to contact their local health department to report a bloom if they see one on the lake.

• Sign up for our free newsletter and breaking news alerts for Brookfield
• Like Brookfield Patch on Facebook
• Check for your local, extended forecast for Brookfield

"If the water by you looks like there is a green film on top of it, or looks like "green paint" is covering it and you suspect a blue-green algae bloom - you (and your pets) should not go in the water while it is present." the CLA posted on their Facebook page.

The News Times reported that a New Fairfield beach was closed Thursday and is not expected to reopen until Saturday or Sunday due to the blooms.

WestConn is working with the CLA to get water samples from each of the five town beaches for toxicity analysis by the lab.

The algae is known as Cyanobacteria and can produce harmful toxins. The CLA warns that these are potentially dangerous and should be avoided when swimming, fishing or boating.Contact with blue-green algae can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Ingestion of the algae can cause vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CLA.

If the algae produce toxins, symptoms can be more 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.

"We expect the results soon, but keep in mind that the tests for those beaches are only indications of the water in those specific locations and may not be indicative of where you are," the CLA said.

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

Photo by Candlewood Lake Authority