SOUTHBURY — The beach at Kettletown State Park has been is closed to swimmers until further notice because of the presence of blue-green algae which can emit toxins that can be harmful to people and dogs. The announcement was made by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) on August 18.

All other state park beaches are open.

CT DEEP is monitoring the waters to assess conditions and tests are being conducted on water samples to determine the level of toxins and when the swim area at Kettletown will be safe to reopen for swimming.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut. These microscopic organisms often go unnoticed and cause no harm. When temperatures are high and high levels of phosphorus are carried into waters as a result of storm water runoff, however, a water body can experience nuisance blue-green algae blooms that may produce and release toxins. When blue-green algae blooms release toxins, people and pets using the water body for recreation can be affected. 

People who recreate in waters when a blue-green algae bloom is present may be exposed to toxins by ingesting or inhaling water or skin contact. Potential health effects to such exposure could include:

*Irritation of the skin, nose, eyes and respiratory tract;

*Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea upon ingestion; and

*Liver or nervous system effects, if relatively large amounts of the algae are ingested.

Anyone who finds themselves in contact with a blue-green algae bloom should thoroughly rinse themselves and their pet(s); contact their health care provider or Poison Control Center for advice should they experience any signs or symptoms; and immediately contact their veterinarian if their pet shows any symptoms post-ingestion, according to CT DEEP.

Brookfield Parks and Recreation Department had to take similar measures this week. The Brookfield Town Beach, which is on Candlewood Lake, was closed after “a small area containing what is believed to be blue green algae will require further testing before our local Health Department can allow swimming,” the department announced on its Facebook page.

The Brookfield beach was reopened on Wednesday, however.

Additional information on blue-green algae blooms can be found at

www.ct.gov/deep/bluegreenalgae.

A complete list of water quality testing results at designated Connecticut State Park Beaches — which shows which beaches are open and which, if any are closed — can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/beachstatus. That page is updated daily.

The State of Connecticut Water Quality Information Line can be reached, toll-free, at 866-287-2757.