Editor’s note: As noted last year — though Heart Pond is in Chelmsford, the pond abuts property in Westford.
REGION — Amid a number of beach closures throughout the state this summer, Heart Pond is among the latest to be closed due to a harmful algae bloom.
Though the pond is located in Chelmsford, the Westford Health Department alerted residents to the closure on Monday.
Health officials will test the waters for the presence of cyanobacteria before the pond reopens.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, occurs naturally in fresh water. Most common during the summer and fall months, nuisance bacteria can multiply quickly, creating a highly concentrated area, known as a “bloom.”
The bacteria can also cause water to appear slightly discolored, cloudy, or resemble paint. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, these blooms can be toxic and release harmful gases.
The pond is closed as of Monday for recreational use. The pond is closed for swimming, boating, wading and other activities. Officials urge those who come into with contact with the water to rinse off.
Over 60 beaches in Massachusetts are currently closed, including Littleton Town Beach.
Nabnasset Lake has already been treated twice this summer for nuisance vegetation — once in June and again earlier this month.
Currently, Westford’s Forge Pond, Edward’s Beach and Sandy Beach, Littleton’s Long Lake, Tyngsborough Town Beach and Chelmsford’s Freeman Lake remain open for recreation.
