Blue-Green Algae Bloom In Wayland Lake Cochituate Section

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland Health Department has discovered elevated levels of cyanobacteria in Lake Cochituate, leading to the closure of the Wayland Town Beach until levels recede.

Recent water tests found cyanobacteria levels at more than 150,000 cells per milliliter of water, more than double the state health guideline for safe swimming. The water will be retested, but will have to remain below the threshold of 70,000 cells/ml for two weeks before the warning will go away.

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, has the potential to produce toxins that can cause a range of symptoms, from irritated skin to neurological problems. The risk is the same for people and pets.

The town is recommending no contact with the water for people and pets. Anyone who does come into contact with the water should rinse off immediately.

Framingham has also closed its beaches along Lake Cochituate due to the elevated levels of cyanobacteria.