Toxic Algae At Lake Cochituate Prompts Health Warning

FRAMINGHAM, MA — State health officials are warning locals to avoid coming into contact with water at Lake Cochituate due to a probable toxic blue-green algae bloom. Residents should expect to see warning signs posted near water access points.

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, typically blooms during warm weather. The pea-soup looking blooms can irritate the skin, and can do internal damage to humans and pets if inhaled or swallowed. In rare cases, cyanobacteria can cause organ failure and death.

Typically, health departments will issue toxic algae warnings when concentrations reach a level that exceeds state standards.

The state Department of Public Health and the Department of Conservation and Recreation will monitor the bloom at Lake Cochituate. The state will retest the water in about a week to see if it has subsided.

Lake Cochituate is one of 14 bodies of water in Massachusetts, including the Hopkinton Reservoir, with a toxic algae warning right now, according to Framingham city officials.

Want to learn more about harmful algae blooms? Read this FAQ from MDPH.