Crystal Lake Is Closed: No Swimming, No Pets In The Water

NEWTON, MA — If you were thinking about going for a swim at Crystal Lake after work tonight or before work tomorrow, think again: Crystal Lake is closed - all of it.

Newton Health and Human Services department said because of heightened levels of algae in the water the lake will be off limits for at least the next week - for both humans and pets.

The closure means:

• Do not swim in Crystal Lake
• Do not swallow water from Crystal Lake
• Keep animals away from Crystal Lake
• If accidental water contact occurs, rinse off immediately

Earlier this week authorities saw an algae in the water, and sent out an advisory, warning folks to stay away from the potentially toxic stuff. Since it was not close to the swimming area, that portion of the lake stayed open and Newton started testing the water.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health advised Newton to close Crystal Lake while the water test results are pending. Those results will determine just how much algae is in the lake and whether folks can return to swim or need to wait longer and should be in late next week, according to the city.

Wednesday, Commissioner of Health and Human Services determined that all of Crystal Lake must be closed at this time because of potential health risks.

Blue-green algae can form harmful blooms in bodies of water that may produce toxins and could make pets and people sick if they swallow the water, have direct skin contact, or inhale water droplets.

Nursing mothers, pregnant women, those with pre-existing liver conditions, those receiving dialysis treatment, the elderly, and other sensitive populations may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects, according to authorities.

"The Crystal Lake Park and Bath House will stay open normal hours for visitors to picnic, play and enjoy the lake from the shore. Crystal Lake swim lessons will be credited on a pro-rated basis. For questions contact Parks and Recreation staff at Crystal Lake at 617-552-7124," according to the city.

The blue-green algae or cyanobacteria is the same as recently prompted an alert for the lower basin of the Charles River. >> Don't Touch The Charles River: Toxic Algae Blooms Detected

Cyanobacteria blooms have been fairly common in recent years in the Charles and in Newton's Crystal Lake. There were blooms reported in 2017, 2016 and 2015. Phosphorus pollution that collect on roads and parking lots, and then drains into the water body and helps the blue-green sheets of algae grow.

If a bloom or extra high readings are detected, the state will collect water samples on a weekly basis until cell counts drop to safe levels. An advisory generally remains in effect until cell counts drop and remain at safe levels for two consecutive weeks.

Earlier this week:

Public Health Advisory: Algae Bloom At Crystal Lake

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).