Toxic Algae: Wayland Reopening Town Beach, Swimming Prohibited

WAYLAND, MA — The park at Wayland Town Beach will reopen to visitors this week, but a persistent blue-green algae bloom means swimming is still not allowed, according to health officials.

The blue-green algae bloom was first spotted in Lake Cochituate in mid-July by state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) officials. The town closed the entire beach because the algae may contain harmful cyanobacteria. Nearby swimming areas in Framingham and Natick were also affected.

A water test on Aug. 3 showed there were still levels of blue-green algae above the state standard. The state requires two consecutive tests showing levels below acceptable guidelines for a body of water to be considered safe.

Wayland plans to open the park area around the beach on Wednesday. Besides swimming, the beach area has sports courts, grills, a playground and a snack bar. The beach will not rent boats, and lounge chairs will not be available. The beach is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Although dogs are not allowed at the beach, the town has warned pet owners to keep animals away from the water. Cyanobacteria can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals — and death in severe cases.