Water Testing Confirms Jamaica Pond Unsafe for Recreational Activity

The Boston Public Health Commission warned residents Monday to stay away from the water in Jamaica Pond until further notice. After a round of water testing was conducted, the pond will remain closed, according to officials.

As suspected, testing confirmed an abnormal level of harmful blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria.

“The results of this sampling indicate that algae levels exceed the state-established 70,000 cells/milliliter. Specifically, testing by a MassDEP biologist on July 20th has confirmed the presence of up to 81,576 cells/mL at this location, above the recommended limit of 70,000 cells/mL established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A separate analysis from DPH confirmed cell counts above the threshold,” the department announced Thursday.

Officials say the blooms produce toxins that can make people and pets sick.

While the park is closed, visitors are asked to avoid the following:

• Swim, fish, boat or engage in other recreational activities on or in the water
• Allow dogs to swim in or drink the water

Those who may come in contact with the algae bloom are urged to rinse off immediately.

There’s no immediate timetable regarding when the pond will be reopened to the public, but the commission plans to continue on in monitoring the situation.

“The Boston Public Health Commission will continue to review state sampling results for the presence of a visible algae bloom in Jamaica Pond over the coming weeks. Water sampling will occur at least weekly while the algae bloom persists, and for several weeks after it is no longer visible. DPH recommends that the recreational water advisory not be lifted until two consecutive weekly samples show algal cell counts below the safe limit of 70,000 cells/milliliter of water,” the commission added.