Cyanobacteria Detected At Lake Cochituate. What It Means For Framingham

Press release from the City of Framingham:

October 30, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/30/23

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

spetroni@framinghamma.gov

508-782-8629

Cyanobacteria Detected at Lake Cochituate

FRAMINGHAM – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued an advisory for cyanobacteria for Lake Cochituate today, October 30.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending that advisory signs be posted at all access points to Lake Cochituate, which includes Saxonville Lake in Framingham.

This means the water is unsafe for people and pets.

Individuals are advised:

• Do not swim.
• Do not swallow the water.
• Keep animals away from the water
• Rinse off after contact with water.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health indicated the most harm can come from ingestion of the infected water.

Ingesting small amounts of cyanobacteria or toxins can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Ingesting large amounts of toxins may cause liver or neurological damage.

Contact with cyanobacteria can cause skin or eye irritation. Inhaling water spray containing cyanobacteria can cause asthma-like symptoms.

Small children and pets are more susceptible to the effects of toxins than adults.

Cyanobacteria occur when there is “warm weather, sunlight, excess nutrients, and stagnant/slow-moving waters help cyanobacteria grow faster. Specific factors behind each bloom vary because every waterbody is different. However, two of the most common factors are phosphorus and nitrogen, which are found in fertilizers and human/animal waste,” noted the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

150 Concord StreetFramingham, MA 01702Ph: 508-532-5411

Tuesday8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Additional Hours

This press release was produced by the City of Framingham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.