Dear Partner Boathouses,
There is a cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae) bloom in the Lower Charles River in the vicinity of the Longfellow Bridge. Many of you have noticed the bright green water and “silly string” appearing strands. Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins which can adversely affect humans and dogs. Please warn your members not to allow their dogs to drink this green water! Additionally, they should avoid direct contact with the water as much as possible and wash their hands, arms and feet when they get off the water. Common reactions include rashes, eye irritation, and possible gastrointestinal distress. I have attached some educational materials prepared by CRWA, we plan to deliver hard copies of these to each of your boathouses either tomorrow or next Wednesday. Additionally, here is a link to these materials on our website if you wish to pass it along to your members: http://www.crwa.org/water_quality/daily/recnotification.pdf
Those of you that have a yellow flag already, please fly it! Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. If any incidences of injury are observed that are thought to be the result of contact with the water, please contact the Dept. of Public Health: 617-624-5757.
Finally, the Department of Public Health would appreciate your assistance in tracking the extent and severity of this bloom, if you have a camera (cell phone is great!) and can take a picture of what the water looks like at your location and e-mail it to me, that would be a great help!
Thank you,
Julie Dyer Wood
Senior Scientist
Charles River Watershed Association
190 Park Road
Phone: (781) 788-0007 ext. 225
Fax: (781) 788-0057
Weston, MA 02493
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