Breaking: Toxic-bloom warning for Warner’s Pond
The Board of Health is urging residents to avoid the water for their summer fun this week — or longer — because it could make them sick.
The Acton Board of Health is urging residents to avoid Warner’s Pond for their summer fun this week — or longer — because it could make them sick.
A public health advisory issued Monday warns of blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, seen on the Gerow Park side of the pond. Toxins released by the blooms can cause illness in people and animals.
The algae blooms appear as murky blue-green patches, which the town describes as resembling “pea soup or paint.”
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website, cyanobacteria occur naturally in freshwater bodies but can grow rapidly in warm, nutrient-rich conditions, especially in summer. Blooms often form in stagnant water and can release harmful toxins.
Along with not drinking the water, avoid skin contact with the pond and steer clear of areas where algae is concentrated, even along the shore, the town advises. MassDEP says symptoms of exposure can range from an upset stomach and a rash to liver and neurological damage.
Pets should not be allowed to swim in or drink the water and should be kept away from visible shoreline blooms or scum. If a pet does come into contact with an algae bloom, it should be rinsed off immediately.
The town urges dog owners to call a veterinarian right away if their pet has been near an algae bloom and exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions, which usually appear soon after exposure.
The town health department is monitoring conditions. Officials will remove the advisory once testing confirms the pond is safe again.
More information on cyanobacteria is available on the MassDEP’s website. Residents can also check the town website, concordma.gov, for updates.
