CRWA In The News–Cyanobacteria Advisory and the Head of the Charles
In July, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a cyanobacteria bloom advisory in the lower basin of the Charles. Ten weeks later, at the start of October, they expanded the advisory to all areas downstream of the Cambridge Street/River Street bridge. Now, as we look forward to this year’s annual Head of the Charles Regatta, rowers and spectators alike are concerned about the ongoing advisory and what it might mean for the iconic race.
As outlined in this article in The Boston Globe, “Once a bloom starts there’s not much that can be done other than letting it run its course, said Ann Scales, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health. The department maintains a list of known bacterial blooms across the state, but also is aware that some could go unreported. The motto the DPH leans on: “When in doubt, stay out.” The regatta, which will take place from Oct. 17-19, is the world’s largest three-day rowing competition and draws over 12,000 competitors. Any risk associated with persistent bacteria would be to the rowers and those on the water, not to spectators.”
During an advisory, DPH advises the public not to swim or ingest water in the area, to keep their pets away, and to rinse off after having contact with the water. This recent Harvard Crimson article shares some hopeful news: “The DPH conducted a water test on Oct. 8 that concluded the concentration of the bacteria had decreased to a safe level, according to Amanda J. Cox, spokesperson for the HOCR. Results from the latest test, which was performed on Tuesday, are expected to be released on Thursday — which would end the advisory if the results come back with safe levels of bacteria. ‘With updated numbers, the advisory would only hold to the areas downstream of MIT, meaning the race course would be entirely below the DPH threshold,’ Cox wrote.” To stay up-to-date with the latest, subscribe to receive our water quality alerts, and be sure to find CRWA at this year’s Head of the Charles. Good luck, rowers!
