COVENTRY, Conn (WFSB) – Health experts are warning Connecticut residents about blue-green algae blooms after a lake in Coventry was closed due to health concerns.
Swimming is off limits for the next two weeks at Coventry Lake due to an algae bloom growing in the water.
Rob Miller with the health district says you want to avoid algae at all costs. It says you don’t want to accidentally touch or swallow it.
“Eye, ear and nose irritation. If you happen to eat the water for some reason, you can experience gastrointestinal ailments like cramping, nausea and vomiting,” says Miller.
Miller wants people to avoid lakes if the water looks like spilled paint, is discolored or has green beads floating under the surface.
Algae usually die during cold weather, but last December was unusually warm and it continued to grow. Now health officials say the advisory will last at least three weeks.
There is also a health advisory at Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton. Officials do not believe it is yet serious enough to close the beach.
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