Caution advised for water activities after Charles River algae bloom

BOSTON — The views along the Charles River have not changed -- but health officials say a concern surfaced with what's under beneath the water.

The Charles River Watershed Association says an algae bloom that happened last week can produce a toxin that can be harmful to humans and pets. It's called Cyanobacteria.

Those toxins have been linked to neurological disorders as well as liver failure and ALS.

Officials say the real threat comes if people or pets ingest too much of the bacteria. People need to make sure they are washing thoroughly after coming in contact with the water.

Flyers are going out at Community Boating near the Longfellow Bridge and they're making adjustments to the kids' programs.

"We don't allow the kids to windsurf or do the things we know they can fall in the drink," Executive Director Charlie Zechel explained.

There are signs up along the Charles River but some people say those signs are too small or there are not enough of them.

"I was here yesterday and had put my feet in the water not seeing the signs," Cambridge resident Sam Gold said. "Someone came up to me and told me about it so I was a little grossed out."

The state says it has posted signs in areas where people could come in contact with the water.

And it's not just the Charles River that's impacted by toxic algae; a total of seven other freshwater bodies have been linked to the bacteria:

• Billington Sea in Plymouth
• Chauncy Lake in Westborough
• Devol Pond in Westport
• Long Pond in Marston Mills
• Shubael Pond in Barnstable
• Lovells Pond in Barnstable
• Santuit Pond in Mashpee

This same type of harmful algal bloom (HAB) has happened for the past few summers around the same time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is researching what conditions can lead to HABs.

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