Public Health Advisory For Lake Cochituate Cyanobacteria Bloom Present
Lake Cochituate closed due to algae bloom
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Cyanobacteria algae bloom advisory, Town Beach to close.
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY FOR LAKE COCHITUATE CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM PRESENT
Wayland Health Department collected water samples from Lake Cochituate's North Pond at the Wayland Town Beach.
Lab results show that cyanobacteria levels were 150,000-160,000 cells/ml at Wayland Town Beach, which is above the MDPH guideline level of 70,000 cells/ml.
MDPH requires two rounds of samples below the guideline level, one week apart, to recommend rescinding an advisory.
The presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae bloom) cells in North Pond of Lake Cochituate at the Wayland Town Beach is unsafe for people and pets.
The Wayland Health Department is issuing a PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY and signage has been posted at each access point to the Town Beach.
The Recreation Department has closed the swimming areas of Lake Cochituate including the Wayland Town beach until further notice.
The Health Department will continue to monitor the lake conditions and post an update on our website once new information is available from the state.
It is not yet known the length of the closure.
For anyone who has recently used the Town Beach or Lake Cochituate, the MDPH recommends:
- Swimmers rinse off after contact with water.
- Do not swim.
- Do not swallow water.
- Keep animals away from the water
Additional info on algae can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/dph/algae
Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) with questions: (617) 624-5757
Subscribe to Town Beach alerts for updates: https://www.wayland.ma.us/subscribe
The Health Department tests the water quality weekly, results are posted here wayland.ma.us/town-beach/pages/water-lab-results
ALL BEACH FEES ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE NON-REFUNDABLE