Health Officials Warn Of Possibly Toxic Algae Bloom In Charles River

BOSTON (CBS) -- Health officials say potentially toxic algae in the lower Charles River Basin is about double the state's guidelines for recreational waters.

Charles River Watershed Association scientists investigated reports of "gross, greenish"-looking water at the Harvard University Boathouse near the Larz Anderson Bridge in Cambridge on Aug. 7.

Their volunteers sampled the water and discovered the cyanobacteria cells, or algae, in the river were above the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's guidelines for recreational waters.

The bloom can be found from the Weld Boathouse to the new Charles River Dam.

A bloom in early June forced the Charles River Swim Club's 1-mile race in the Lower Basin near the Memorial Hatch Shell to be postponed until July, CRWA said.

People should not drink or touch the water. Animals also should not come into contact with it.

If either touch the water, they should rinse off as soon as possible.