Webster’s Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg had its first health scare in many years due to high cyanobacteria levels. At the beginning of August, the lake, which is continuously tested by Webster’s Board of Health, experienced noticeable algal blooms (relating to algae which is a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms) in most all areas of North Pond, Middle Pond, and South Pond. After the local Board’s intervention and testing, the Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health (DPH) was called in for advisement. A Public Health Advisory was issued informing the public that the water was off-limits to the public and pets. The advisory included no swimming, no jet skiing, no boating, no lake water drinking, no lake fish consumption, keeping animals away, and rinsing off after having contact with the lake water. As of the second water testing by the Mass. DPH on August 26, the lake is now cleared for enjoyment by people and pets.

According to the Board of Health’s website, algal blooms can appear as foam, scum, or mats on the surface of the water and may be green, blue, brown, red, or other colors. The water may look as if paint or dye has been spilled, and blooms can sometimes have a strong or unpleasant odor. 

Health effects associated with blooms vary depending on the type of cyanobacteria, the route of exposure, and the amount of toxins present.

Ingestion is the primary concern.  Ingesting small amounts of cyanobacteria or toxin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ingesting large amounts of toxins may cause liver or neurological damage.

• Contact with cyanobacteria can cause skin or eye irritation.

• Inhaling water spray containing cyanobacteria can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, sore throat, and asthma-like symptoms.

• Children and pets are especially vulnerable to these toxins and may become seriously ill within hours of exposure. 

• During a bloom, DPH recommends avoiding contact with the water.

If contact occurs, wash yourself and your pet with tap or bottled water. If you or your pet swallows water, call your doctor or veterinarian. If you believe you or your pet is experiencing adverse health effects, contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately.

Unfortunately, once a bloom appears there are few options besides letting it run its natural course. Blooms depend on available nutrients and optimal weather conditions. Chemical treatment methods (such as algaecides) are not recommended during a bloom.

Webster’s Public Health Director, Camille Griffin, keenly awaited the latest lake testing results from the State DPH. The Massachusetts DPH requires two consecutive water samples, taken one week apart, to confirm safe toxin levels before the advisory can be lifted. This reopening process is based on the recommendations of the state.  For more information about Harmful Algae Blooms, visit:  mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies

Road Work Update

Additionally, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the steady and ongoing construction at the Routes 395 and 16 intersection continues to move along smoothly with the usual dependency on weather conditions. Construction details, according to the town website, include anticipated activities in the areas of cable installations along Route 16 eastbound along with short-term lane closures supervised by Webster police, wing wall construction behind barriers, conduit duct banks, patch drain and cable conduit trenches, and trench drains on the north side of Route 16. Timeline for this project to be completed is Spring 2027.  

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