Algae bloom at Lake Cochituate prompts health advisory

A cyanobacteria bloom in Lake Cochituate has prompted several communities along its shores to close their beaches, according to Wayland health officials.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation discovered the bloom in the lake’s North Pond at Wayland Town Beach, according to a statement released by Wayland Public Health Director Julia Junghanns on Wednesday.

“Cyanobacteria was also observed by DCR staff at Middle Pond and South Pond of Lake Cochituate,” the statement says. “This evidence suggests that the level of cyanobacteria in the water may exceed the (Massachusetts Department of Public Health) guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts and is unsafe for people and pets.”

A spate of fatalities among dogs who’d been exposed to the algae made headlines in 2019.

Portions of Lake Cochituate are also located in Framingham and Natick. The three communities have all closed public beaches and parks along the lake until further notice, according to the statement.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce cyantoxins, which are “among the most powerful natural poisons known,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“They can make people, their pets, and other animals sick,” the CDC says. “Unfortunately, there are no remedies to counteract the effects.”

Whether a bloom contains toxins cannot be determined by looking at the algae, either.

The Wayland Health Department issued a public health advisory at Town Beach, and officials anticipate all sections of the lake will ultimately be issued advisories.

The town is urging people to not swim or swallow water; to keep animals away from the water; and to rinse off after coming in contact with the water.

“MDPH will conduct follow-up sampling at the waterbody when there is no longer visual evidence of a bloom,” Wayland officials said. “The Health Department will continue to monitor the lake conditions and post an update on our website once new information is available from the state.”

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