Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A section of the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge has been contaminated by a harmful cyanobacteria bloom.
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According to the Charles River Watershed Association, the cyanobacteria bloom between Cambridge and Boston is the river’s first major bloom in four years.
The harmful blue-green algae is caused by high levels of phosphorus from stormwater runoff, recent heat, and lack of rainfall.
“So usually, people with dogs know [that] wherever you are, you shouldn’t go in the water if it hasn’t rained in a long time,” said a resident.
“Stay out of the water unless you want to have a rash!” said Mary, a resident and dog owner.
Mary and her dog Lucy are not taking any chances.
“We already know to stay out of the Charles, because we’ve seen [warnings] in the past. "We had a Golden Retriever and there would be signs up to stay out of the water,” Mary added.
The Charles River Watershed Association said in a press release that “DPH staff identified the bloom based on a visual assessment of the river, which was corroborated by water quality data from EPA’s Charles River buoy and by sampling and microscope analysis conducted by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).
Health officials said that direct contact with cyanobacteria can cause skin rashes, and inhalation of airborne toxins can affect respiratory systems, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Officials also added that cyanotoxins can be harmful and even fatal for children and pets.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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