Dusk at Jamaica Pond, June 2014

Confirmed: Algae Bloom in Jamaica Pond is Toxic

Tests show that the blue-green algae bloom at Jamaica Pond is indeed toxic, according to a press release from the Boston Public Health Commission. Humans and their pets must stay out of Jamaica Pond until officials give the all-clear. That's going to be at least two weeks, since two clean weekly tests in a row are required. The state considers safe levels of this algae to be 70,000 cells per milliliter of water. Tests done Monday showed the Pond's figure at 81,576 cells/milliliter.

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Dusk at Jamaica Pond, June 2014

Potentially Toxic Algae Bloom Closes Jamaica Pond

Humans and their pets must stay out of Jamaica Pond while health officials investigate a possible bloom of toxic algae. That's the order that came down Monday from the city's Public Health Commission. Residents began noticing Monday that the boathouse was closed. The Health Commission urges residents to keep away from the water, even on the shore. The following activities are prohibited until further notice:

Swimming
Fishing
Boating
Any recreational activity in or on the water
Allowing dogs to swim in or drink Pond water

Possible effects of contact range from eye irritation to, in extreme cases, organ damage and even death, the Health Commission wrote in their advisory.

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