UPDATED INFO: Coventry_Lake_Update_7-28-22
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
DATE: July 22, 2022
TO: Coventry Lake Residents and Visitors
FROM: Robert Miller, MPH, RS, Director of Health
RE: Blue-green algae bloom at Coventry Lake
Please be advised that recent algae test results have confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom at Coventry Lake that may present harmful health effects for users of lake. The health outcomes of concern are:
Irritations of the skin, eyes or ears
GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea
Muscle cramps
In extreme cases nerve or liver problems
Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut. These microscopic organisms are components of the aquatic food chain. In ordinary circumstances, Cyanobacteria cause no apparent harm. However warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance. This response is commonly called a “bloom“ because algal biomass increases to the extent that normally clear water becomes markedly turbid.
Harmful health effects from the bloom can result through skin contact with the algae tainted water, swallowing the water, and when airborne droplets are inhaled. Pets are especially prone to the health effects not only through skin contact, but also by ingesting significant amounts of the toxin by licking their wet fur after leaving the water.
To protect yourself and your family from any harmful effects of this blue-green algae bloom, residents and visitors are advised to avoid contacting water that has a noxious odor, appears green throughout (sometimes referred to as looking like pea soup), or that has mats, films or scums accumulating on the surface.
Until further notice avoid these high risk activities:
Any contact with the water including swimming, diving, playing, or wading
Drinking, or allowing animals to drink the water
Using the lake water to fill a pool or for outdoor showers
Water sports, e.g. water skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing, jet skiing, tubing
4 South Eagleville Road Mansfield CT 06268 Tel: (860) 429-3325 Fax: (860) 429-3321 • Web: www.EHHD.org
Preventing Illness & Promoting Wellness for Communities In Eastern Connecticut Andover • Ashford • Bolton • Chaplin • Columbia • Coventry • Mansfield • Scotland • Tolland • Willington
Other activities that pose a moderate risk to health include:
Fish consumption
Canoeing
Rowing
Sailing
Kayaking
Paddle boarding
Motor boating
If you or your pet accidentally come in contact with algae tainted water then thoroughly rinse off with clean water.
If you experience any of the symptoms of blue-green algae exposure (listed above) contact your health care provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If your pet experiences symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Regular monitoring of lake conditions will occur moving forward until bloom dissipates. The community will be notified of the bloom dissipation at that time.
Check the Health District or Town website for additional information and updates. Public health questions can be directed to the Eastern Highlands Health District main office at 860-429-3325. Additional information can be found at:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Water/Water-Quality/Blue-Green-Algae-Blooms
https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Environmental-Health/Environmental-Health-Section/Blue-Green-Algae-Blooms