NEW FAIRFIELD – The swimming area at Squantz Pond State Park has reopened after state officials determined the levels of a harmful algae had gone down.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said swimming area is open.
DEEP found high levels of blue green algae last week and closed beaches the beaches for swimming at that time.
DEEP said the algae can emit toxins that can be harmful to people and dogs.
The algae occurs naturally and are normally not harmful. However when temperatures rise and high levels of phosphorus are carried into the water during storms, the algae blooms and can produce dangerous levels of toxins.
If people come into contact with the toxins, they can have irritation to the skin, nose, eyes and lungs, and vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, if large amounts of algae is ingested it can cause liver and nervous system problems.
