BROOKLINE, Mass. — Local officials in Brookline and Newton are urging the public to stay away from bodies of water where a blue-green algae bloom known as cyanobacteria has been found.
The Brookline Reservoir now has the toxic algae, and over in Newton, Crystal Lake is now closed for swimming until further notice after cyanobacteria was detected there.
“No one – humans or pets – should have contact with the water,” Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Do not swim in Crystal Lake. Do not swallow water from Crystal Lake. Do not boat in Crystal Lake. Keep animals away from Crystal Lake,” the city said in its statement. “If accidental water contact occurs, rinse off immediately.”
In Brookline, effective immediately, access to the Brookline Reservoir “is restricted until further notice,” town officials said in a statement on Wednesday.
“These blooms can produce toxins that may pose health risks to both people and pets,” town officials said.
Access to the water will remain restricted until two consecutive weekly water samples confirm that algae levels are below the state’s safety threshold, officials said.
The toxic algae bloom known as cyanobacteria has also been found in six ponds in Plymouth, officials said.
The public is strongly advised to:
- Avoid contact with the water and areas with visible algae, including the shoreline.
- Keep pets away from the water — no swimming or drinking.
- Refrain from fishing.
- Rinse off immediately if contact with the water occurs.
The current algae bloom may cause the Reservoir water to appear cloudy or discolored, often with a blue-green tint.
Algae blooms may resemble pea soup or look similar to spilled paint in water, officials said. These visual signs indicate the potential presence of harmful toxins and should be avoided.
Blue-green algae exposure can cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in humans and gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested.
Ingesting a significant amount of blue-green algae can lead to liver or neurological damage, officials said. Young children may be especially vulnerable.
In pets — particularly dogs — ingesting contaminated water or algae can be harmful and, in some cases, potentially fatal, officials said.
Even if dogs do not consume the water, they can become seriously ill from licking contaminated fur, officials said.
Symptoms may include vomiting, drooling, staggering or seizures. Anyone experiencing symptoms after contact should consult a healthcare provider or veterinarian immediately.
The Brookline Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Parks and Open Space Division, will continue to monitor the Reservoir for visible signs of algae.
Signs will be posted at all Reservoir entry points, officials said.
In Newton, Crystal Lake will be closely monitored and will reopen when state and local public health officials have determined the water is safe.
Officials are urging the public to seek medical attention if you or your pet experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after swimming recently in Crystal Lake.
The Crystal Lake Park will stay open normal hours for visitors to picnic, play and enjoy the lake from the shore, officials said.
Crystal Lake swim lessons will be credited on a pro-rated basis. Season passes for the lake will be honored at Gath Pool for the remainder of the swim season.
For questions, contact Parks and Recreation staff at Crystal Lake at 617-552-7124.
For updates, visit the city’s website or call the Newton Health and Human Services Department at 617-796-1420.
In Brookline, regular updates will be provided on the town’s website and the public health department’s website.
For more information, call the Brookline Public Health Department at 617-730-2300.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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