Public Health Advisory: Algae Bloom At Crystal Lake

NEWTON, MA — The city's public health department issued a public health advisory after officials saw a blue-green algae bloom that can be toxic to humans in high volumes in the lake Monday. Officials are asking people not to swim or come in contact with the water in the lake outside of the beach area. They're also asking to keep your dogs away from it, as well.

According to the Water Environment Federation, algae blooms are caused in warmer months when nutrients accumulate in waterways and cause local algae to grow out of control. The blooms choke oxygen out of the water and produce chemicals that are toxic to humans and pets.

If you do come into contact with the lake water near a bloom, health officials say you should rise off after contact. Elevated amounts of algae have been observed at Crystal lake starting today.

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

"At this time, we do not know if algae is at harmful levels. We will continue to monitor the lake and have asked the state to conduct algae testing to determine next steps," according to a city advisory.

In the meantime, city health officials are asking that folks avoid the lake, especially nursing mothers and pregnant women, those with pre-existing liver conditions, those receiving dialysis treatment, the elderly, and other sensitive populations who may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects.

Health officials say you should see a doctor if you or your pet experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after swimming in Crystal Lake.

For more information and updates, go to www.newtonma.gov/health or call the

Newton Health and Human Services Department at 617-796-1420.

Related:

Don't Touch The Charles River: Toxic Algae Blooms Detected

Help Keep Newton's Crystal Lake Clear Of Algae Blooms

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).