Toxic Algae Found At Shrewsbury Pond

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury health officials are warning residents to stay away from a local pond due to the presence of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae.

Water tests confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria at Dean Park Pond this week. Residents should avoid contact with the water, keep pets away and halt activities like fishing, according to the Worcester Division of Public Health.

Blue-green algae typically blossoms in water during warm weather and when there are high levels of phosphates in the water. The pea-soup looking blooms can irritate the skin, and can do internal damage to humans and pets if inhaled or swallowed. In rare cases, cyanobacteria can cause organ failure and death.

Dean Park isn't alone in its toxic algae bloom. The state confirmed cyanobacteria in Lake Cochituate near Natick on Wednesday.

Town officials will continue to test the water at Dean Park to determine when it's safe for activities.