Waltham Health Department Warns Residents to Avoid Hardy Pond

The Waltham Health Department issued two public health advisories Monday warning residents to steer clear of Hardy Pond after detecting a harmful cyanobacteria bloom that can sicken people, children and pets.

TOWN HALL

The city's Health Department posted guidance explaining cyanobacteria and harmful cyanobacterial blooms, known as CyanoHABs, so residents can recognize the algae and limit exposure at Hardy Pond. The department said contact with an active bloom can pose a health risk to people, children and pets, and it urged anyone visiting the pond to watch for discolored water, scum or mats on the surface before swimming, fishing or letting animals in.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.