People, pets should avoid part of Charles River due to algae bloom, officials say

BOSTON — Massachusetts officials are advising people not to wade into parts of the Charles River because of a dangerous algae bloom.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation said Thursday a cyanobacteria bloom has been detected in the river. It's advising people and pets to avoid all contact with the water from the Boston University bridge to the Museum of Science until further notice.

Officials will retest the river until cyanobacteria levels return to acceptable limits.

The 80-mile river scored a "B'' grade for water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last month. The once-industrial river earned an "A-minus" last year.

An "A'' grade means the river almost always met standards for boating and swimming. A "B'' means it met standards for almost all boating and some swimming.

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Associated Press