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Advisory: Cyanobacteria Detected at Lake Cochituate - October 30

Posted on: October 30, 2023 - 1:18pm

Cyanobacteria Detected at Lake Cochituate

WAYLAND – Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued an advisory for cyanobacteria for Lake Cochituate today, October 30.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending that advisory signs be posted at all access points to the Lake Cochituate, which includes Wayland Town Beach.

MDPH, in coordination with DCR, will continue to monitor algae bloom conditions in Lake Cochituate and will conduct follow-up sampling when there is no longer visual evidence of a bloom. 

This means the water is unsafe for people and pets.

  • Individuals are advised:
  • Do not swim.
  • Do not swallow the water.
  • Keep animals away from the water
  • Rinse off after contact with water.

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.

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.