Officials: Potentially Harmful Algae At Arlington Reservoir

ARLINGTON, MA — Health officials issued another public health advisory for Arlington Reservoir due to a visible algae bloom. Residents are advised not to swim or stand in the water and keep their pets away, the Board of Health said.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an overgrowth of algae in a water body that could affect water quality and aquatic life. Some HABs produced by bacteria can create toxins that may also harm people, animals, and the local environment.

Contact with high levels of a harmful algal blooms has been found to contribute to eye, ear, and skin irritation. Ingestion of elevated concentrations of the algae and its toxin can lead to more serious health effects, such as muscle cramps, twitching and liver damage.

During an algae bloom, the amount of algae and toxin in the water can become elevated and exposure can be potentially harmful to people and animals.

The Board of Health issued a similar advisory earlier this month for Spy Pond and Hill's Pond at Menotomy Rocks Park.