Stay Out Of Spy Pond: Toxic Algae Bloom In Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Board of Health issued a public health advisory Friday due to visible algal bloom in Spy Pond. Residents are advised not to stand or swim in the water and keep their pets away from the pond.

A harmful algal bloom is an overgrowth of algae in a body of water that can affect water quality and aquatic life. Some blooms 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 can contribute to eye, ear and skin irritation. During an algae bloom, the amount of algae and toxin in the water can become elevated, and exposure can be potentially harmful to people and animals.

Ingestion of elevated concentrations of the algae and its toxin can lead to more serious health effects, like muscle cramps, twitching and liver damage.

For more information: www.arlingtonma.gov/health