Boston: Algae Bloom Health Advisory Lifted for the Charles River

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BOSTON ~ Boston residents can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has lifted the public health advisory for the Charles River. The advisory, which was put into place on September 24, was due to high levels of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, in the river.

According to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), analysis of testing samples taken on September 30 and October 7 showed cyanobacteria levels below the state's safe limit of 70,000 cells/milliliters (mL) of water. This prompted DPH to lift the advisory for impacted areas including the Broad Canal, Lechmere Canal, and Lederman Park.

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The presence of cyanobacteria cells at levels exceeding DPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts was first identified on September 20 during a visual assessment conducted by DPH staff. This led to the initial issuance of the public health advisory.

However, with two consecutive weekly samples showing cyanobacteria counts below the safe limit, DPH generally recommends lifting recreational water advisories. On October 7, levels were recorded at 35,000 cells/mL for Broad Canal, 37,000 cells/mL for Lechmere Canal, and 60,000 cells/mL for Lederman Park. These results are well below the state's threshold for unsafe conditions and have led to the lifting of the advisory.

It is worth noting that none of these samples showed any presence of toxin microcystin. With this latest development, residents can now safely enjoy recreational activities in these previously impacted areas without any concerns about their health.

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