Natick: Cyanobacteria Detected in Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond

[broadstreet zone=”59983″]

NATICK – On October 10, visual evidence provided by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) indicate the presence of a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond., announced the Town of Natick today, October 13. 

Residents are asked to avoid boating or swimming, including pets, at the following access points to the Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond until the advisory is lifted.

Some of the known access points include but are not limited to: 

• Amvets Post 79
• Camp Arrowhead
• Cochituate State Park
• Camp Mary Bunker
• Perry/Cypress Road
• Boating Club by Eddy’s Park
• Middlesex Path
• Pegan Cove
• Natick Soldier Systems Center
• Boat ramp to Fiske Pond
• Fishing docks on West Central Street.

[broadstreet zone=”58610″]

The MA Department of Public Health will conduct follow-up sampling at the waterbody when there is no longer visual evidence of a bloom.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health indicated the most harm can come from ingestion of the infected water.

 Ingesting small amounts of cyanobacteria or toxin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Ingesting large amounts of toxins may cause liver or neurological damage.

Contact with cyanobacteria can cause skin or eye irritation.

Inhaling water spray containing cyanobacteria can cause asthma-like symptoms.

Small children and pets are more susceptible to the effects of toxins than adults.

[broadstreet zone=”70106″]

Cyanobacteria occurs when there is “warm weather, sunlight, excess nutrients, and stagnant/slow-moving waters help cyanobacteria grow faster. Specific factors behind each bloom vary because every waterbody is different. However, two of the most common factors are phosphorus and nitrogen, which are found in fertilizers and human/animal waste,” noted the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

You may also call the Bureau of Environmental Health Toxicology Program at (617) 624-5757 or the Natick Board of Health at (508) 647-6460 with any questions

[broadstreet zone=”59947″]

[broadstreet zone=”59982″]