Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms Occurring in Massachusetts Communities

Lynnfield Planning & Conservation Director Emilie Cadermartori cautions residents to avoid allowing their pets to wade into Pillings Pond and other slow-moving Lynnfield water bodies, in light of recent toxic blue-green algae blooms reported in several Massachusetts towns. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) have issued similar warnings. Cademartori also reminds residents that swimming is never an allowed activity on Pillings Pond.

CBS News Boston and Boston 25 News have reported outbreaks of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae blooms, in several Massachusetts communities and surrounding states. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) states that toxic blooms most often form in the late summer or early fall, where warm, slow-moving waters gain nutrients from sources like fertilizer runoff or septic tank overflows.

These toxins can affect animals through their drinking of the water, being licked from their skins, or entering their bodies through open wounds.

“Although we do not routinely test for these blooms, we contract with Solitude Lake Management to treat Pillings Pond throughout the summer months in order to prevent dangerous blooms from occurring”, notes Cademartori.  “At present, Solitude reports that we do not need to be overly concerned. However, pet owners should be cognizant of these outbreaks in neighboring communities and continue to take precautionary measures.”