Lake Cochituate In Wayland Free Of Toxic Algae — Just In Time For Heat

WAYLAND, MA — A health warning over toxic algae in Lake Cochituate's North Pond area has been lifted, according to Wayland Health Department Director Julia Junghanns.

The town alerted residents to the presence of potentially harmful cyanobacteria late last week after a visual sighting. But water samples taken on Aug. 1 at Wayland Town Beach, Saxonville Beach in Framingham and at a Route 30 culvert showed toxic algae below acceptable levels.

Toxic algae, also called blue-green algae, can cause a range of ailments, from skin irritation to death in more serious cases. Cyanobacteria is harmful to both people and pets.

The lifting of the health warning comes at an opportune time: Wayland will see temperatures approaching 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday, and so the town beach will be back open for swimming.