PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Blue-green algae blooms have been observed at Pontoosuc Lake and a public health advisory has been recommended by the state Department of Public Health for the lake in both Pittsfield and Lanesborough.

As this bloom may present harmful health effects for users of the lake, the Pittsfield Health Department issues the following directives for this waterbody for people and pets until further notice:

• Do not swim.
• Do not swallow water.
• Keep animals away.
• Rinse off after contact with water.

Warning signs are being posted around the lake.

Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Massachusetts. These microscopic organisms are components of the aquatic food chain. In ordinary circumstances, Cyanobacteria cause no apparent harm. However, warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance. This response is commonly called a “bloom” because algal biomass increases to the extent that normally clear water becomes markedly turbid.

Harmful health effects from the bloom can result through skin contact with the algae tainted water, swallowing the water, and when airborne droplets are inhaled. Pets are especially prone to the health effects not only through skin contact, but also by ingesting significant amounts of the toxin by licking their wet fur after leaving the water.

To protect yourself and your family from any harmful effects of this blue-green algae bloom, residents and visitors are advised to avoid contacting water that has a noxious odor, appears green throughout (sometimes referred to as looking like pea soup), or that has mats, films or scums accumulating on the surface.

Until further notice we recommend avoiding these high-risk activities:

• Any contact with the water including swimming, diving, playing, or wading
• Drinking, or allowing animals to drink the water
• Water sports, e.g. water skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing, jet skiing, tubing

Other activities that pose a moderate risk to health include:

• Fish consumption
• Canoeing
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Motor boating

The health outcomes of concern are:

• Irritations of the skin, eyes or ears
• GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle cramps
• In extreme cases nerve or liver problems

If you or your pet accidentally come in contact with algae tainted water, thoroughly rinse off with clean water.

If you experience any of the symptoms of blue-green algae exposure (listed above), contact your health care provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If your pet experiences symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Regular monitoring of lake conditions will occur moving forward until bloom dissipates. The community will be notified of the bloom dissipation at that time. The rescinding of the public health advisory will only occur after two successive samples, collected a week apart, demonstrate cell counts or toxin levels below the state guideline values.

For more information or questions, contact the Pittsfield Health Department at 413-499-9411.