Arlington Warns Residents Of Harmful Algal Bloom At Hill’s Pond

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Board of Health has issued a public health advisory for Hill’s Pond at Menotomy Rocks Park due to a visible algal bloom.

Health officials are strongly advising residents not to swim or stand in the water and keep pets away from the pond.

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

Contact with high levels of a harmful algal blooms 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, including muscle cramps, twitching, and liver damage.

For more information on harmful algal blooms in Massachusetts, click here.