Brookfield Town Beach on Candlewood Lake is closed until Wednesday. A statement on the Parks and Rec Department website says that a small area containing what is believed to be blue green algae required further testing before the local Health Department would allow swimming.
First Selectman Bill Tinsley says the Health Director got word from the state Department of Public Health that the beach can reopen Wednesday.
The Candlewood Lake Authority tested the water at all five town beaches Tuesday. Sherman and New Fairfield Town Beaches were closed pending results on algae blooms found in the water.
(CLA Samples Water at Brookfield Town Park)
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says Kettletown State Park's swim area was closed Tuesday due to blue green algae. Earlier this year, the swim area at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield was closed for about a while laboratory tests were conducted to determine if there was any risk of toxic exposure to blue-green algae.
The algae can emit toxins possibly harmful to people and dogs.
The effects from exposure include a skin rash, nausea or even liver or nervous system effects if large amounts of the algae are ingested. Algae exist naturally in Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond and in other water bodies. Not all algae are harmful, and typically occur naturally in lakes, rivers and ponds in mid-to-late summer.
The Candlewood Lake Authority says it's difficult for those on the lake to determine which algae blooms are safe and which are harmful. The only way to know for sure is through lab testing.
