Toxic Algae In Lake Cochituate: Officials Warn About Water Contact

NATICK, MA — State officials have detected a toxic algae bloom in Lake Cochituate — a relatively late occurrence of a phenomenon that typically coincides with warm weather.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation sighted the bloom in the Natick section of the lake on Monday. The town warned residents to stay away from several recreation areas along the lake, including Cochituate State Park, Pegan Cove, Camp Arrowhead and fish docks along West Central Street.

"Please avoid boating or swimming, including pets, at the following access points to the Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond until the advisory is lifted," Natick said in a bulletin.

State health officials will continue to test the water until the bloom dissipates.

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.

Correction: A photo used with an earlier version of this story did not accurately show cyanobacteria, and has been replaced.