Update: August 9, 2021 Public Health Advisory For Lake Cochituate - Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae bloom)

Update August 9

Town Beach re-opens park areas Wednesday, August 11, Lake Cochituate remains closed for aquatic activities. Wayland Town Beach's recent test, conducted by MDPH on August 3, 2021 exceeded the guideline level of Cyanobacteria in the water.  MDPH requires two rounds of samples below the guideline level, one week apart, to recommend rescinding the advisory. Click here for the most up to date information. 

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Update August 6

Town Beach remains closed until further notice. Lake Cochituate - North Pond - Wayland Town Beach's recent test, conducted by MDPH on August 3, 2021, exceeded the guideline level of Cyanobacteria within the water.  MDPH requires two rounds of samples below the guideline level, one week apart, to recommend rescinding the advisory. Click here for the most up to date information. 

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Update July 26, 2021  

Ban still in Effect. An update will be provided once the Town has received more information. 

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July 14, 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY FOR LAKE COCHITUATE - CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM PRESENT

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Visual observations provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) indicate the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) cells in North Pond of Lake Cochituate at the Wayland Town Beach.  Cyanobacteria was also observed by DCR staff at Middle Pond and South Pond of Lake Cochituate.  This evidence suggests that the level of cyanobacteria in the water may exceed the MDPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts and 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.  MDPH has also recommended that Middle Pond and South Pond issue public health advisories.  The advisory is to warn individuals against contact with the water as it is unsafe for people and pets (please see attached sign).  We anticipate that ALL sections of Lake Cochituate will have a public health advisory including South Pond, Middle Pond and North Pond.

The Wayland Recreation Department has closed the swimming areas of Lake Cochituate including the Wayland Town beach until further notice.  Other nearby cities and towns have also closed public parks and beaches along Lake Cochituate.

MDPH will conduct follow-up sampling at the waterbody when there is no longer visual evidence of a bloom.  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. 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY FOR NORTH POND OF LAKE COCHITUATE - CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM PRESENT

• Waterbody Unsafe for People and Pets
• Do not swim
• Do not swallow water
• Keep animals away
• Rinse off after contact with water

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Additional info on algae can be found at: www.mass.gov/dph/algae Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health with questions: (617) 624-5757

 

Julia Junghanns

Public Health Director