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.....Newsflash.....Hinsdale ..... Newsflash ..... Hinsdale .....
Nov. 10, 2020
Hi Again:
Some additional information has come, so I am sharing it in this newsflash.
Best,
Bob
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Plunkett Reservoir Algae Bloom/Cyanobacteria Test Results
As you know, the Board of Health ordered Algae Bloom/Cyanobacteria Testing from two locations at Plunkett Reservoir on October 22, 2020, due to a report of a visible green scum on the water at the northwest corner of the lake. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires an advisory be posted whenever a concentration above 70,000/ml is observed.
The Board of Health has received the results, and they are as follows:
- Site 1 - The sample collected from the Boat Ramp area was found to contain cyanobacteria at a concentration of 3,000/ml.
- Site 2 - The sample collected from the Northwest corner of the lake contained cyanobacteria at a concentration of 74,000/ml.
As you can see, the Northwest Corner of the lake (testing Site 2) appears to have had a slightly elevated cyanobacteria concentration on the 22nd of October.
To rescind the advisory, we will need two additional rounds of testing done at least seven days apart, showing that the bacteria concentrations are below the 70,000/ml threshold. The first of the two rounds of testing will be scheduled as soon as possible. Once the results are received, we shall post them on the Board of Heath page (https://www.hinsdalemass.com/board-of-health-1).
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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The State’s Drought Status has Improved.
Drought Status
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in the Southeast Region, Cape Cod Region, and the Nashua River watershed. Conditions in the other five regions across the state — the Western (Berkshire County), Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Islands regions have improved and are at a Level 1 – Mild Drought.
Current Conditions
Due to over six months of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, the Commonwealth continues to be in a drought. However, recent rains during the latter half of October have improved streamflow, groundwater, fire danger, and other indicators. The Southeast part of the state continues to experience dry conditions below normal rainfall, elevated fire danger, and decreasing groundwater. While cooler temperatures keep the risk of fire spread to a moderate, continued Fall leaf and pine needle drop causes the risk of ignition to persist.
What You Should Do
In Level 2-Significant Drought Areas
Residents & Businesses:
- Minimize water use
- Limit outdoor watering to hand-held 5:00 pm-9:00 am
- Conserve water indoors
- Fix Leaks
Cities & Towns:
- Limit outdoor watering to at least hand-held only b/w 5:00 pm-9:00 am
- Limit new landscapes and outdoor washing
- Implement drought or seasonal water rates
- Establish water use reduction targets
- Establish a leak detection program
In Level 1-Mild Drought Areas (i.e., the Berkshires)
Residents & Businesses:
- Focus water conservation indoors; fix Leaks.
- Reduce any remaining outdoor watering
Cities & Towns:
- Limit any outdoor watering to no more than once a week and b/w 5:00 pm-9:00 am
- Limit new landscapes and outdoor washing
- Implement drought or seasonal water rates
- Check emergency connections
- Develop local drought plan
For more information, please see the press release here.
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