Arlington Health Officials Warn Of Potentially Harmful Algae

ARLINGTON, MA — Health officials issued a public health advisory for Hill's Pond at Menotomy Rocks Park due to a visible algal bloom. The Board of Health advises residents not to swim or stand in the pond and keep their pets away from the water.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an overgrowth of algae in a body of water that can affect water quality and aquatic life. Some HABs produced by bacteria can create toxins that are harmful to people, animals and the environment.

Contact with high levels of HABs has been found to contribute to eye, ear and skin irritation. Ingestion of elevated concentrations of the algae and its toxin can lead to more serious health effects, such as muscle cramps, twitching and liver damage.

For more information: www.arlingtonma.gov/health