WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Health and Human Services Department is issuing a precautionary advisory regarding a potential harmful algal bloom (HAB) in Lake Quannapowitt. We are actively monitoring conditions and have submitted water samples for testing. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask residents and visitors to follow the health and safety precautions outlined below until further notice.
Avoid contact with lake water
• Do not swim, wade, or engage in water activities that involve direct contact with the body in the lake.
• Keep pets away from the water.
• Prevent children from playing near the shoreline or touching visible algae or scum.
• If you fall in or otherwise come into contact with lake water, rinse off immediately with clean, fresh water and monitor for symptoms of illness.
Pet safety
• Do not let pets drink from or enter the lake.
• If your pet contacts lake water, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and contact your veterinarian if symptoms occur.
What are harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. Not all blooms produce toxins, and you cannot tell by appearance alone whether the water is safe.
Symptoms of exposure
Monitor for the following signs after contact with the water:
• In humans: Skin rashes, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, or sore throat.
• In pets: Vomiting, weakness, drooling, seizures, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse.
Seek immediate medical or veterinary care if symptoms develop.
The Health Department will update the community as test results become available and notify the public when it is safe to resume recreational use of the lake.
For updates, visit www.wakefield.ma.us or follow the Town of Wakefield on Facebook. If you have questions about algal blooms, call the Massachusetts Department of Public at 617-624-5757 or the Wakefield Health Department at 781-246-6375.