People should avoid contact due to high bacteria levels
August 31, 2015 05:00 AM | By CapeCodToday Staff
Uncle Harvey’s Pond is in East Orleans between Barley Neck Road and Pochet Road. People are warned to avoid contact with the pond and are advised to not swim or wade in the pond or drink the water. Pets should also avoid the water, the advisory said.The Town of Orleans has issued a health advisory for Uncle Harvey’s Pond. According to the advisory, the town’s health department recently received notice that the pond’s levels of cyanobacteria exceeds the state Department of Public Health’s guidelines.
Anyone who comes in contact with the water should rinse off when they leave the pond.
Cyanobacteria, or blue-gree algae, blooms in freshwater, according to the state Department of Public Health. The bloom grow and form “scums” or “mats” on the surface of the water. Although blooms may occur anytime, they are most common in the late summer and early fall, the state said. Learn more about the effects on humans and animals on the EPA website here.
The Department of Public Health will monitor the cyanobacteria levels until they return to a safe level.
Questions may be directed to either the Orleans Department of Health at 508-240-3700 ext. 450 or the state Department of Public Health at 617-624-5757.