Continued Blue-Green Algae Advisory at Willis Lake

Published July 22, 2015 | Board of Health | Automatically Archived on 7/30/2015

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Laboratory analysis of the water sample taken Monday, July 20, 2015 at Willis lake showed cyanobacteria levels well above Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines. Based on these results, the Board of Health and MDPH recommends the current advisory remain in place. Residents and pets should avoid contact with the water until further notice. Ingesting small amounts of the algae can cause gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms of illness are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Elevated levels may cause serious neurological effects. Eye, ear, and skin irritations can also occur. Contact your physician if you experience symptoms. Sampling will occur on a weekly basis until levels are confirmed to be within MDPH guidelines.

Please be aware that the algae, in addition to a blue green appearance, can also appear brown or red.

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