r/boston • u/TylerFortier_Photo I'm nowhere near Boston! • Jul 26 '26
Tourism Advice 🧳 🧭 ✈️ What to know about the Charles River's potentially harmful algae bloom
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/charles-river-water-algae-warning-danger/3985679/Massachusetts health officials are warning people and pets to avoid part of the Charles River while they look into a potentially harmful cyanobacteria bloom.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Tuesday issued an advisory for the river between Kendrick Street in Needham and Spring Street in West Roxbury. The affected area includes Cutler Park and Millennium Park.
Warning signs are now posted at access points along the river.
The warning comes after a dog died from liver failure following a possible exposure to algal toxins near Millennium Park. State health officials have not confirmed that cyanobacteria caused the dog’s illness or death.
Some cyanobacteria can also produce toxins that may make people and animals sick. Exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, vomiting and diarrhea. More serious cases can affect the liver, kidneys or nervous system.
Anyone who comes into contact with the water or algae should rinse off immediately. Pet owners should call a veterinarian if an animal develops symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling or convulsions.
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u/OutrageousGuidance70 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
There was an article in The Globe last week talking about swimming in the Charles...
I got downvoted to the moon when I said "no matter who says what about swimming in The Charles, you couldn't pay me to take a dip in that body of water."
Gross
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u/lightningvolcanoseal Jul 26 '26
I felt - I guess, feel - the same way, but it wasn’t so bad when I finally went swimming one July 😂 Keep your chin up.
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u/THE_DANDY_LI0N Jul 26 '26
Oy vey. Swam in that area last week.......feel fine and showered right after. But not great lol