The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a public health advisory after a cyanobacteria bloom was confirmed in the Charles River downstream of the Longfellow Bridge. The Charles River Watershed Association said it is the first bloom in the river in four years. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally occurring microorganisms found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Cyanobacteria release harmful cyanotoxins that can pose serious health risks, especially to pets and young children. Contact with contaminated water can cause skin rashes, and inhaling the toxins in the air can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with preexisting conditions such as asthma. Because of these risks, the Public Health Department has determined that the affected areas are unsafe for both people and pets. The Public Health Department strongly advises people not to swim, drink river water, or keep pets near the river. It also advises people to wash their pets if they come into contact with the water. Cyanobacteria thrive in environments with high phosphorus levels, warm temperatures, and stagnant water. The current algae bloom highlights the ongoing problem of stormwater pollution and the need for effective regulation. The timing of the algae bloom is of particular concern as it coincides with Boston’s longest drought in 25 years, with more than three weeks without any significant rainfall. The lack of rain has lowered water levels, creating ideal conditions for the algae bloom. For the latest information on water quality, visit the Charles River Watershed Association’s Flagship webpage.
Boston —
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a public health advisory after a cyanobacteria bloom was detected in the Charles River downstream from the Longfellow Bridge.
The Charles River Watershed Association said this was the river’s first major algae bloom in four years.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally occurring microorganisms that live in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They release harmful cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks, especially to pets and young children.
Coming into contact with contaminated water can cause skin rashes, and inhaling toxins in the air can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with underlying conditions such as asthma.
Because of these risks, DPH has determined that the affected areas are unsafe for both humans and pets.
DPH urges people not to swim, drink water from rivers or let pets near rivers, and advises rinsing after contact with water.
Cyanobacteria thrive in environments with high phosphorus levels, warm temperatures and stagnant water. The current algal bloom highlights the ongoing problem of stormwater pollution and the need for effective regulation. The timing of the algal bloom is of particular concern as it coincides with Boston’s longest drought in 25 years, with more than three weeks without any significant rainfall. The lack of rain has lowered water levels, creating ideal conditions for the algae bloom.
Visit the Charles River Watershed Association’s flagging webpage for the latest water quality updates.
