Charles River Bacterial Advisory Lifted

BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has lifted a months-long public health advisory on the Charles River related to dangerous bacteria.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, produces toxins that are a health risk to both people and animals. If exposed, people can experience skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms of exposure include vomiting, drooling, and seizures. It can also be dangerous to pets, such as dogs. According to the Charles River Watershed Association, Cyanobacteria grow rapidly when bodies of water experience high phosphorus levels, hotter temperatures and stagnant conditions.

The public health advisory first went into effect in late July after a significant bloom of the algae in the area of the Harvard Bridge. The advisory was lifted based on the results of samples collected at three locations throughout the river on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The testing was conducted at the MIT Richard J. Resch Boathouse, Broad Canal, and the Community Boating Area. All three results came in well under the states’ minimum requirement lower than 70,000 cells/mL.