During late summer and early fall each year the conditions are just right for those blue-green algae to flare up. There is one state park in Connecticut that has its lake off limits right now due to the presence of this slimy stuff. The algae blooms aren’t just unappealing to the eye, they are toxic to humans and their furry companions, so stay away from this popular swimming spot until the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection gives the all clear.
Kettletown State Park in Southbury and Oxford borders almost 2 miles of the shores of Lake Zoar. The park spans 605 acres and is a well-liked recreation spot in the state.
The park offers recreation such as swimming, fishing, and hiking, although some of the trails are still closed due to damage from the torndado in May. The park also has 56 campsites.
Blue-green algae blooms have grown within the water and the Connecticut DEEP has closed the lake due to public health concerns. The algae blooms can release toxins into the water which can affect people and animals that use the lake.
The algae blooms can look thick like pea soup or like paint spilled across the water's surface. The water will also take on a green or brown tinge and you may see algae floating on the surface.
Some potential health effect could include nausea, headache, skin irritations, GI issues, muscle weakness, and can range from mild to severe. If large amounts of algae are ingested, the liver and nervous systems could be affected. For our animal companions, especially dogs, the effects can be much more severe.
Although it's great to cool off in the water on a warm summer day, it's not worth the risk to your health. Follow the Connecticut DEEP closures and pick another place to swim. For information on closures of town parks, contact the local health department.
For more information on the blue-green algae blooms visit this website. To obtain the latest information on ongoing blue-green algae blooms, call your Local Public Health Agency, CT Department of Public Health at (860) 509-7758, or CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at (860) 424-3020.
Have you seen any of these blue-green algae in a lake or pond near you? Please report it via email to deep.algalblooms@ct.gov. Looking for a new and safe way to stay cool, check out one of these 9 splash pads.
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