I support HB1148 because harmful algal blooms pose growing public health and ecosystem risks, and expanding scientific study helps communities respond effectively
HB1148
House · 2026 sessionBipartisanSigned into lawStudying algae bloom control
AIExpands the duties of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee to include studying factors behind cyanobacteria and algae blooms and assisting in their control and eradication.
adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.
Status
Signed into law · June 1, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
238 submissionsArgument digest · AI-generated
from 121 of 121 written submissionsHB1148 would add cyanobacteria and harmful algae blooms to the mandate of the existing Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee, which currently focuses on invasive plants like milfoil. The overwhelming majority of submitters -- lakefront residents, lake association leaders, and conservation officials -- support the bill, describing worsening bloom conditions on New Hampshire lakes and arguing that folding cyanobacteria study into an established committee is an efficient way to coordinate research and response. A single dissenting submission raises cost concerns for property owners, though its content addresses mooring fees rather than this bill's provisions.
- Blooms threaten health, water, recreation, property values, economySupport15 of 121 reviewed
Submitters state that harmful cyanobacteria and algae blooms are increasing across New Hampshire's lakes and rivers, creating combined risks to public health, drinking water, recreation, property values, and local economies.
“Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers, posing risks to public health, drinking water, recreation, property values, and local economies.”
— William Johnson, Moultonborough · #588885 — read full submission →
“Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across NH lakes posing risks to public health, drinking water, recreation, property values/taxes and local economies. We need to intrgrate blooms into waterbody management.”
— Jeffrey Lapid, Swanzey · #594622 — read full submission →
- Efficient to fold blooms into existing committeeSupport26 of 121 reviewed
Submitters argue that adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee's charge is a logical, low-cost way to enhance coordination, since a committee with waterbody-management expertise already exists.
“I support HB 1148 because it enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management.”
— William Johnson, Moultonborough · #588885 — read full submission →
“Any research that is conducted by the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee without considering algal blooms and cyanobacteria would be a waste of taxpayers money.”
— William Urbon, Windham · #589132 — read full submission →
- Personal accounts of blooms disrupting lake useSupport25 of 121 reviewed
Many submitters describe firsthand experiences of blooms forcing beach and swimming closures, disrupting drinking-water or well-free households, and affecting family recreation on specific lakes and ponds.
“Several times in the past few years we've had to wash dishes in bottled water (no wells on the island), keep pets from drinking lake water, not to mention staying out of the water ourselves.”
— Lauren Poster, Wolfeboro · #600161 — read full submission →
“Two years ago during a bloom, the lake smelled so bad my wife and I had to leave the area for a few days.”
— Jeffrey Lightizer, East Wakefield · #603299 — read full submission →
- Economic impact: tourism revenue and property valuesSupport26 of 121 reviewed
Submitters argue that clean lakes underpin local tourism economies and property/tax values, and that unchecked blooms could cause significant economic harm to lakeside towns and the state.
“Some studies done in Northern New England point to up to a 60% drop in property values of lakeshore property values.”
— William Johnson, Moultonborough · #588885 — read full submission →
“If algae and cynobacteria blooms are allowed to increase in occurrence this will be catastrophic to the economy, to say nothing of the devastating impact on those who live on and near these lakes.!”
— TJ Palmer, Wolfeboro · #600202 — read full submission →
- Specific health harms from toxins and bloomsSupport12 of 121 reviewed
Some submitters detail specific health risks, including illness in children and pets after swimming, contamination of seafood and drinking water, and cited links between cyanobacteria neurotoxins and serious neurological disease.
“Medical science has linked neurotoxins created by Cyanobacteria to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other neurological disorders that are fatal.”
— Donald Wilson, Rindge · #589341 — read full submission →
“My neighbor's 4 year old was throwing up after swimming last summer.”
— Lauren Poster, Wolfeboro · #600161 — read full submission →
- Need for scientific study of bloom causesSupport30 of 121 reviewed
Submitters argue that the causes of cyanobacteria blooms are still poorly understood and that dedicated study is needed to develop effective, science-based prevention and mitigation strategies.
- Urgency: act before lakes reach a tipping pointSupport14 of 121 reviewed
Submitters urge swift action, describing lakes as nearing a point of irreversible degradation and arguing it is better to prevent worsening blooms now than to try to reverse damage later.
- Precedent of successful invasive-species control programsSupport5 of 121 reviewed
A few submitters point to past success controlling invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil as evidence that a similar coordinated, science-based approach could work for cyanobacteria.
- Concern for future generations' access to healthy lakesSupport5 of 121 reviewed
A smaller number of submitters frame their support in terms of preserving lake health for children, grandchildren, and future generations of NH residents.
- Concern about new costs or fees on property ownersOppose1 of 121 reviewed
One submission opposes on the basis that the measure represents another tax or cost burden on property owners, though its stated concern (mooring fees) does not directly address this bill's provisions.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
As cyanobacteria blooms increasingly threaten our lakes, this bill will help by coordinating study and response to the problem. It makes sense to integrate this effort with the work of an existing committee. As president of the Mascoma Lake Association, I have helped manage an extremely successful program to reduce harmful aquatic weeds in our lake; over the past 25 years, we have achieved control over Eurasian milfoil . We now need similar science-based resources and strategies to address the rise of cyanobacteria, which has now emerged as our most pressing challenge. I strongly urge voting HB1148 OTP.
I have been volunteering on the Lakes Lay Monitoring program and have witnessed the detrimental effects of cyanobacteria blooms on Lake Winnipesaukee. We also have invasive problems (Spiny Water Flea, Chinese Mystery snails and milfoil). HB 1148 enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide.
NH is widely known for its beautiful and clean bodies of water. Cyanobacterial and algal blooms are increasing in frequency and severity. Please support HB 1148 which will help learn more about these blooms and how we may reduce them Thank you, Jane Walsh
I support HB 1148 because it enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide
Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers, posing risks to public health, drinking water, recreation, property values, and local economies. NH LAKES supports HB 1148 because it enhances coordination and problem-solving by integrating bloom prevention and response into an established committee already focused on waterbody management. The bill also recognizes the importance of advancing understanding of the factors driving bloom formation. This knowledge will help New Hampshire continue developing informed, science-based strategies to protect water quality statewide
I support this bill. We need to include cyanobacteria and algae blooms in the studies of aquatic weeds. We need to know how to control their spread and also have the funds to manage them.
The lakes in Wolfeboro are an essential part of our ecosystem, economy, livelihoods and enjoyment of our homes. I have been on Rust Pond for 58 years. This summer we had Cyanobacteria blooms that kept us from swimming and enjoying our precious lake. We must take every proactive measure to protect and restore our lakes.
The lakes in Wolfeboro are an essential part of our ecosystem and our economy and livelihoods. We must take every step we can to protect them and restore them. Coordination local and state government agencies and environmental groups is vital.
Cyanide bacteria long have been an issue in New England water bodies, i support this classification into algae for
With the increase in our summer water body temperatures and the increase of algal blooms and cyanobacteria, we need to study them along with milfoil to learn how to deal with it.
I live on Lake Nubanusit, and it is important to my neighbors and me to understand and prevent cyanobacterial and algal blooms, which can harm our health and property values. If these blooms continue, it will also negatively affect tourism in New Hampshire. Thank you for voting OTP on this bill.
Eradicating harmful algae blooms is a responsibility; not an option. The committee needs to study factors that threaten the quality of our precious NH water. The time to act is now.
I am a shore front property owner on Province Lake. Province Lake has been experiencing severe cyanobacteria blooms for the past few years. When these blooms occur the lake water looks terrible and sometimes smells awful. Two years ago during a bloom, the lake smelled so bad my wife and I had to leave the area for a few days. Anything that can be done to help mitigate cyanobacteria blooms would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I support this bill because it would help in the control and eradication of harmful algal blooms and cyanobacteria, alongside milfoil.
Cyanobacteria blooms are a major threat to the health if New Hampshires lakes and thereby to the economic contribution the lakes make to our state. We need to do everything we can to understand how we can mitigate this threat.
The health of lakes are an important part for tourist and the revenue they generate for local businesses as well as recreational activity of NH residents. Controlling invasive species of plants and harmful algae is important part of maintaining healthy lakes.
HB 1148 is a no-brainer and I strongly urge you to support it. Clean, recreation-friendly bodies of water are a draw for residents and visitors alike, Cyanobacterial and algal blooms threaten the appeal and safety of our natural bodies of water. Inclusion of these threats under the charge of the Aquatic Weeds and Species committee is an important first step in leading to their more effective control Thank you for your consideration, John Walsh
It’s essential to act immediately to investigate and prevent the Cyanobacteria problem in our lakes. When we understand the factors involved, we will be able to make informed choices to protect our water quality across the state.
Lakes are a key element making NH the special place that it is. We must take all reasonable steps to protect them and their health for us and future generations.
Our lakes are one of our greatest resources for public recreation and for wildlife. Studying how algae blooms form and preventing dangerous situations is imperative to keep our natural resources healthy.
Please support this bill to help protect out lakes!
I live up on Greens Basin of Winnipesaukee. My family has had cottages here since the late 1800’s. I grew up on the lake and have seen the changes. I love and care for this lake and its surroundings. I care for its health. There are no more crayfish or bullfrogs probably from treating the millfoil infestation. I’m afraid the manicured lawns are also affecting the heath of the water and its life. I support this study because I like to swim in the water and also care very much for the wildlife. Please vote in favor of this bill. Thank you.
cyanobacteria blooms have prevented us and our guests and dogs from swimming in Lake Wentworth for many weeks over the past several years. It is especially dangerous to those who are unaware of the great risk it brings with it.
The protection of our waterbodies is paramount in supporting our local economy. Advancing the science behind understanding and dealing with cyanobacteria blooms cannot be under estimated.