Published in the August 3, 2017 edition.

NORTH READING – The town has announced that as of August 1, Martins Pond will be closed for boating, fishing and all recreational uses, as well as all animal and pet contact uses.

The town conducted cyanbacteria (blue-green algae) testing on July 28 by Northeast Laboratories. On July 31, the test results indicated the Martins Pond water quality exceeded state guidelines of 70,000 cell/ml for recreational waters. The lab results indicated the cyanobacteria water quality levels in Martins Pond ranged at 170,000 cell/ml to 280,000 cell/ml.

The North Reading Public Health Department and the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health want to advise all residents that the Martins Pond water quality is extremely toxic right now and that potential contact uses and ingestion of water could be lethal for children, adults and pets.

The DPH advises that this is a common occurrence this time of year in Massachusetts lakes and ponds, and that there is no treatment for the cyanobacteria. The best course of action is to restrict all uses and allow the cyanobacteria to take its course to subside and dissipate.

The North Reading Public Health Department will work closely with the Mass. DPH to monitor Martins Pond and provide updates to residents as to when it is safe to resume boating, fishing and non-swimming recreational uses.

Residents with additional questions can contact either Mr. Robert F. Bracey, director of public health at the Town of North Reading Health Department, 978-357-5242, or they can visit the Town Health Department portion of the town web site, northreadingma.gov.