Bacteria Levels at Willis Lake Above Guidelines

Published September 25, 2015 | Board of Health | Updated October 1, 2015 | Automatically Archived on 10/1/2015

This Post has been archived and its content might be outdated. If you are looking for recent content, please check this Committee's Homepage.

Testing conducted at Willis Lake on Wednesday  9/23, by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, revealed cyanobacteria counts above the guidelines. The advisory will remain in place until two samples reveal counts within safe levels. Testing will occur next week.

With a prolonged span of warm weather and limited rainfall, many water bodies are experiencing rapid and abundant algae growth. Since the Department of Public Health does not test all bodies of water, residents are advised to exercise caution when boating, fishing, and/or experiencing all waterways/water bodies.

Residents should understand the risks to themselves and their pets and take precautions to minimize the risk. Avoid ingesting the water and frequently wash hands. Pets should be leashed to limit exposure and to prevent ingestion of the water.

Test results will be immediately posted upon receipt from Mass. DPH.