The Arlington Board of Health issues a public health advisory for Spy Pond due to a visible algal bloom. The Board of Health strongly advises residents not to swim or stand in the water and especially urges residents to keep pets away from the water due to the risk associated with a visible algal bloom.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an overgrowth of algae in a water body that could affect water quality and aquatic life. Some HABs produced by bacteria can create toxins that may also harm people, animals, and the local environment.

Contact with high levels of a harmful algal blooms has been found to contribute to eye, ear, and skin irritation. During an algae bloom, the amount of algae and toxin in the water can become elevated and exposure can be potentially harmful to people and animals.

Ingestion of elevated concentrations of the algae and its toxin can lead to more serious health effects (e.g. muscle cramps, twitching, and liver damage)

“When in doubt stay out.”

For more information: www.arlingtonma.gov/health