Board of Health
Green Algae In Lake Attitash
We have received inquiries this week about the green algae in Lake Attitash. The water around both the Merrimac and Amesbury lakefront has been exhibiting a greenish color for more than a week.
When Amesbury had the water sampled on July 9, the result was an E-coli count of 4. The allowable limit is 235.
Algae can be present due to stagnation, not enough rain, excessive heat, or a lot of sun. Any one or all causes are contributors. It does not indicate that there is necessarily a presence of E-coli. In the past the lake has exhibited a greenish color but was not unfit for bathing.
If there is an indication that the E-coli count has significantly changed, we will submit a water sample for testing. The sample must grow for 24 hours before results are attained. We communicate with the testing lab and Amesbury Board of Health about the water quality. At this time there is not a cause for health concerns.
posted: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Lake Attitash Water Testing
The Board of Health will no longer be responsible for testing the water in Lake Attitash. There is no longer a monitored public swimming or beach area in Merrimac. If people choose to swim or to sit on the beach area, it is at their own risk. Since no traffic is allowed, the beach area will not be maintained, and there will be no porta-potty facilities. Until a resolution is formulated to allow access from a different direction than near the well heads, the beach will remain closed.
Any individual, or group of homeowners, may collect a water sample and submit it to the lab for testing at a cost of thirty dollars for each sample, payable by check at the time of drop-off. A sample may be dropped off in Rowley each Wednesday morning if you would like. Sterile containers may also be obtained at the drop-off location. If you're interested, please contact the Board of Health for further information.
posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008