Toxic Algae Seen In Lake Cochituate, Wayland Beach Shuttered

WAYLAND, MA — Wayland has closed the town beach at the north end of Lake Cochituate after toxic blue-green algae was spotted by state Department of Conservation and Recreation officials.

The blue-green algae, which likely contains harmful cyanobacteria, was seen in Cochituate's North Pond — where the Wayland Town Beach is located — and at Middle Pond and South Pond, according to the Wayland Health Department.

Apart from the Wayland closure, visitors may see signs at other points around Lake Cochituate, which also touches Framingham and Natick, warning about the toxic algae. Framingham's Saxonville Beach is located adjacent to the Wayland Town Beach on the western shore of the lake.

Blue-green algae typically blooms during warm weather and when there are high levels of phosphates in the water. 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.

The state Department of Public Health will test the water for cyanobacteria once the bloom subsides.