On the Look-out: Update on Cyanobacteria at Joe's Pond
The Joe's Pond Association has been very diligent in protecting the water quality and aquatic life at Joe’s Pond thanks to stewardship of Pam Hebert and all of the water testers who volunteer yearly to collect samples. As you know, it is an ongoing challenge to keep the Pond clean and safe for the wildlife and people alike. In the past years, however, cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae) has been found in Joe’s Pond. Known as a major water quality issue in Lake Champlain and several smaller lakes and ponds in Vermont, cyanobacteria is a relatively minor issue in Joe’s Pond. Although Joe’s Pond has an excellent record when it comes to evasive aquatic species and E-coli counts, we are challenged by our high density of development around the Pond, and runoff of pollutants such as phosphorous remains an issue. Cyanobacteria love phosphorus and a nutrient-rich environment, and blooms of cyanobacteria are becoming more frequent.
How to Spot Cyanobacteria The bacteria is in nature all of the time, but the “blooms” happen in warmer waters that are nutrient-rich. If you see a skim of oily green matter on the surface of the water or a suspension of green “dots” in the water, you are probably seeing a bloom in progress. (See picture, left) If however, you see a yellow-colored collection of something on the surface in the spring or early summer, it is likely pollen. Pam Hebert and Dorothea Penar are trained to identify cyanobacteria. They reported weekly to the State on three locations at the Pond all of last summer. If you have questions about something in the water that you think might be cyanobacteria, please feel free to contact Pam (802-684- 3655) or Dorothea (802-343-2132).
Is Cyanobacteria dangerous? Cyanobacteria is always present in nature, however, a bloom is more than just a nuisance --, it can be a health problem. Contact can cause a rash or illness. Cyanobacteria can release a neuro-toxin that can be very dangerous to pets who ingest the water and lick their wet fur. Children often swallow water while swimming and can ingest potential toxins. Toxins are not always present in a bloom, but you should not take a chance by coming in contact with it.
What should you do if there is a Cyanobacteria bloom in the water around your camp?
How can we minimize/prevent cyanobacteria blooms in Joe’s Pond?
Even if you never see signs of cyanobacteria near your own shoreline, what you do on your property will have an impact on the ecology of the entire Pond, and could be harmful to your neighbor’s property and health.
The State of Vermont has excellent website links for information:
Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae)
Cyanobacteria in Vermont -Dorothea Penar
How to Spot Cyanobacteria The bacteria is in nature all of the time, but the “blooms” happen in warmer waters that are nutrient-rich. If you see a skim of oily green matter on the surface of the water or a suspension of green “dots” in the water, you are probably seeing a bloom in progress. (See picture, left) If however, you see a yellow-colored collection of something on the surface in the spring or early summer, it is likely pollen. Pam Hebert and Dorothea Penar are trained to identify cyanobacteria. They reported weekly to the State on three locations at the Pond all of last summer. If you have questions about something in the water that you think might be cyanobacteria, please feel free to contact Pam (802-684- 3655) or Dorothea (802-343-2132).
Is Cyanobacteria dangerous? Cyanobacteria is always present in nature, however, a bloom is more than just a nuisance --, it can be a health problem. Contact can cause a rash or illness. Cyanobacteria can release a neuro-toxin that can be very dangerous to pets who ingest the water and lick their wet fur. Children often swallow water while swimming and can ingest potential toxins. Toxins are not always present in a bloom, but you should not take a chance by coming in contact with it.
What should you do if there is a Cyanobacteria bloom in the water around your camp?
- Contact Pam or Dorothea to get a sample of the water.
- Avoid swimming in the water for a least 24 hours after the bloom dissipates.
- Wash your skin off with soap and water if you come in contact with the cyanobacteria.
- Keep pets out of the water to prevent a chance of ingestion of any toxins.
How can we minimize/prevent cyanobacteria blooms in Joe’s Pond?
- Make sure your septic system is working properly.
- Do not fertilize lawns.
- Slow down water runoff into the Pond by keeping natural plants and trees along the shoreline; plant wild blueberry bushes near the shoreline, and keep or plant trees on your property. Keeping our properties in a more natural state will reduce runoff.
- Do not culvert water directly from your property into the Pond.
Even if you never see signs of cyanobacteria near your own shoreline, what you do on your property will have an impact on the ecology of the entire Pond, and could be harmful to your neighbor’s property and health.
The State of Vermont has excellent website links for information:
Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae)
Cyanobacteria in Vermont -Dorothea Penar