Santuit and Ashumet ponds closed to swimming due to toxic blue-green algae blooms

Jul. 17—MASHPEE — Santuit and Ashumet ponds are closed to swimming

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources provided information to the Mashpee Board of Health about surface algae scum floating in several locations in each pond, which prompted the board to close the ponds to swimming, according to the town's website.

The blue-green algae measurement in Santuit Pond showed a total cell count of 72,300 cells per milliliter and was made up of different cyanobacteria geneses, including 44% with woronichinia, 54% dolichospermum, 1% microcystis and 1% Aphanizomenon, according to the town.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 20,000-100,000 blue-green algae cells per milliliter are generally considered to be the low-end concentration but can still be harmful to humans and wildlife.

The cyanobacteria in Ashumet Pond exceeded the threshold and was so dense it was not possible to get an accurate count of cells, according to a statement from the town on Thursday. The measurement was made up of two cyanobacteria geneses: 90% dolichospermum and 10% microcystis.

The town will continue to monitor the situation, the website says. Updates will be posted as new information becomes available at www.mashpeema.gov/.

The Sandwich Health Department also notified the Mashpee Board of Health that Peters Pond has been posted with algae advisories, according to the statement.

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