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Lower Bolton Lake suffered a major aquatic crisis in 2012. A huge expansion of naiad (najas guadalupensis) was followed by a blue-green algae bloom in August. As a result, the lake was closed by the state to boaters and swimmers.

Public Health Advisory Notice - Eastern Highland Health District

DATE: August 23, 2012 
TO:  Bolton Lake Residents and Visitors
FROM:  Robert L. Miller, MPH, R.S., Director of Health
RE:  Toxic blue-green bloom at  Bolton Lake 
 
Please be advised that there has been confirmation of a toxic blue-green algae bloom
at Bolton Lake that can present health problems for residents ranging from
   - Irritations of the skin, eyes or ears;
   - GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea;
   - Muscle cramps; and
   - In extreme cases nerve or liver problems

To protect yourself and your family from any toxic effects of this blue-green algae 
bloom, residents and visitors are advised to avoid until further notice: 
  - 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
  - Boating through areas of visible surface scum
_________________________________________________________________

To learn more about blue-green algae, read CT Department of Public Health's 9/24/12 EHS Circular Letter, Information on Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Blooms in Freshwater Lakes and Ponds.
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