BOSTON ~ Boston residents are being warned to avoid contact with the Charles River downstream of the Longfellow Bridge due to a bloom of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a public health advisory for the area, citing levels of cyanobacteria cells that exceed DPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in the state.

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is urging residents to stay away from the water and any areas where algae concentrations may be present, including on shore. As a precautionary measure, the Charles River downstream of the Longfellow Bridge, including Broad Canal, Lechmere Canal, North Point Park, and Lederman Park, has been temporarily closed to all water activities.

This advisory comes after a visual assessment conducted by DPH staff revealed high levels of cyanobacteria in the river. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can make people and pets sick if ingested or if there is direct skin contact or inhalation of water droplets containing toxins.

According to DPH guidelines, humans should avoid swimming in or ingesting water containing blue-green algae while dogs should not be allowed to swim in or drink from affected areas. If contact with the water does occur, it is recommended to rinse off immediately.

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Blue-green algae blooms can make water appear murky and sometimes give it a greenish tint resembling pea soup or paint. These blooms can produce toxins that may cause skin and eye irritation upon contact and respiratory irritation if inhaled. Ingestion of these toxins can lead to acute gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, these toxins can affect the functioning of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and neurological systems.

For dogs specifically, ingestion of blue-green algae or scum that has washed ashore or gotten onto their skin or fur is a primary concern. If your dog has been exposed to an algae bloom and shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care. Ingestion of these toxins can be fatal for dogs, and there have been documented cases of canine deaths in Massachusetts and other states due to harmful algae.

The DPH will continue to monitor cyanobacteria levels in the Charles River and conduct sampling for laboratory analysis once the bloom has dissipated. The advisory will be lifted only after two rounds of samples collected a week apart show levels below the threshold of 70,000 cells/milliliter of water.

Residents with questions or concerns about the advisory are encouraged to call the Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050 for more information. In the meantime, it is important for all individuals and pets to avoid contact with the affected areas until further notice.

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