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More toxic algae found, this time in Brookline and Plymouth
Exposure to the toxic blue-green algae can make people and pets sick, officials said.
Health officials are advising people to stay out of bodies of water in Brookline and Plymouth due to toxic algae blooms.
The Town of Brookline announced the Brookline Reservoir had a confirmed blue-green algae bloom on Tuesday. The town advised visitors to avoid fishing and bringing pets to the area, noting that swimming in the reservoir is already prohibited.
A harmful blue-green algae bloom has been confirmed at the Brookline Reservoir. These blooms can produce toxins that may make people & pets sick. While swimming is already prohibited, ingesting this algae can be toxic & cause serious illness. Keep safe & stay away from the algae! pic.twitter.com/1jNh5fujFE
— Town of Brookline (@TownofBrookline) August 5, 2025
The Town of Plymouth announced six bodies of water tested positive for an algae bloom on Monday. The affected waters are Clear Pond, Big Sandy Pond, Russell Mill Pond, Billington Sea, Little Herring Pond, and Great Herring Pond, according to the announcement.
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The blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, produce toxins during blooms that can make people and pets sick, health officials said.
Exposure to the algae can lead to skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, asthma attacks, and neurological or liver damage, the announcement noted.
If exposure to the algae blooms, health officials recommend showering as soon as possible and washing affected clothing. For pets, exposure to the algae can be life-threatening, so clean the pet’s paws and fur if contact with the algae is made.
The algae blooms are typically visible on the water’s surface, making it murky and appearing as green, blue-green, or reddish brown clumps or mats, officials said.
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The Department of Public Health will continue testing the water – via two consecutive water samples taken a week apart – until algae levels drop below 70,000 cells/mL and it’s safe.
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