The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has issued an alert to local residents regarding a significant cyanobacteria algae bloom detected in the Charles River, specifically downstream of Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge.
Following a visual assessment by Department of Public Health (DPH) staff, levels of cyanobacteria cells were found to exceed established guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts.
As a precautionary measure, residents are advised to refrain from any contact with the contaminated water, including areas where algae concentrations are prominent, even those along the shore.
Consequently, the Charles River downstream of the Harvard Bridge—which encompasses Broad Canal, Lechmere Canal, North Point Park, Lederman Park, Community Boating docks, and Storrow Lagoon—will remain temporarily closed to all water activities.
During this closure, visitors to local parks are prohibited from swimming, fishing, or boating, and are also instructed not to allow dogs to swim in or drink the affected water.
For those seeking detailed locations of the advisory, a map can be found at the end of the official release.
The presence of blue-green algae can lead to harmful blooms that give water a murky appearance often resembling pea soup or paint.
These blooms may produce toxins that pose significant health risks to both humans and pets.
For human exposure, ingesting water that contains blue-green algae while swimming remains the primary concern. However, direct skin contact with the algae and inhaling droplets containing the algae or its toxins also present secondary risks.
For pets, particularly dogs, the most pressing risk arises from ingesting contaminated water or scum, which may reach the shore or cling to their fur.
Exposure can lead to various health issues like skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and acute gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea.
The risks are especially grave for children and small pets, given their lower body weight, as exposure may lead to severe complications involving vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
In extreme situations, toxins from blue-green algae can be fatal.
If a dog shows signs of distress after being near an algae bloom, including symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions, pet owners should seek veterinary assistance immediately as these symptoms tend to emerge shortly after exposure.
Historically, there have been documented canine fatalities in Massachusetts and other states attributed to harmful algae ingestion.
As for when the advisory will be lifted, the duration of algae blooms can vary significantly, with some persisting for weeks during summer while others may dissipate quickly.
The DPH will keep a vigilant eye on the cyanobacteria levels in this area.
Once conditions improve, samples will be taken for laboratory analysis. In order to lift the advisory, DPH mandates that two rounds of samples, taken at one-week intervals, must show cyanobacteria levels below the safety threshold of 70,000 cells per milliliter.
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