EHHD terminates public health advisory for Coventry Lake

Connor Linskey, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Aug. 10—COVENTRY — The Eastern Highlands Health District has terminated the public health advisory regarding the blue- green algae bloom at Coventry Lake effective immediately.

The decision was made based on recent monitoring, and conferring with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), the Connecticut Department of Public Health ( CT DPH) and the Town of Coventry's Limnologist Robert Kortmann.

Field observations of Coventry Lake were conducted on August 1 and August 7. During that time period, the lake went from being at high risk for a bloom to low risk based on CT DPH/DEEP Guidance to Local Health Departments for Blue- Green Algae Blooms.

" Residents should be aware that conditions still exist that may result in a higher risk in isolated parts of the lake," the health district said in a statement. " Residents who have private access points to the lake are encouraged to observe the water before contacting the water, and before allowing children or pets to contact the water."

The health district said the public should avoid contacting water that appears green throughout ( sometimes referred to as looking like pea soup), or that has mats, films or scums accumulating on the surface. New signs will be going up around the lake in the coming days reminding residents to look for these conditions.

The algae monitoring program will continue through the summer water activity season. The community will be notified of any changes in the bloom risk at that time.

The public health advisory had been in effect since July 22. It was issued due to a blue- green algae bloom in the lake. The public health advisory caused Coventry to close its town beaches.

According to the Eastern Highlands Health District, blue- green algae occurs naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut.

In most circumstances the blue- green algae does not cause harm. However, warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance, also known as a bloom.

Harmful health effects from the bloom can result

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