Lake Cochituate Toxic Algae Levels Fall, Warning Remains

WAYLAND, MA — State tests have detected that levels of harmful blue-green algae have fallen in Lake Cochituate in recent days. But health officials still need to wait for another test to lift water-contact warnings.

Water samples collected from three spots around the lake on Oct. 3 showed levels of toxic blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, below guideline levels. The state will conduct another round of tests on Oct. 9. If those tests are good, the health advisory will likely be lifted.

The Oct. 3 tests showed blue-green algae levels at 26,000 cells per milliliter of water. The danger level is 70,000 cells per milliliter.

Still, Lake Cochituate visitors are urged to stay away from the water. Pets should also be kept away from the water.

Blue-green algae 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.