Help Keep Newton's Crystal Lake Clear Of Algae Blooms

NEWTON, MA — Crystal Lake is a treasure nestled in the heart of Newton that is home to 33 acres of water for boating, fishing and swimming. Keeping the lake open through the entire summer takes some help from Mother Nature and assistance from the surrounding neighborhood to avoid the conditions that can cause algae blooms.

According to the Water Environment Federation, algae blooms are caused in warmer months when nutrients accumulate in waterways and cause local algae to grow out of control. The blooms choke oxygen out of the water and produce chemicals that are toxic to humans and water species. Because drinking and swimming in affected water is dangerous, the lake has to be closed during blooms.

Newton Deputy Commissioner of Health and Human Services Linda Walsh said the city has been able to avoid having to close the lake in August in recent years with the help of nearby residents.

"A lot of the times it is caused by runoff into the lake, and a lot of the problem is runoff from lawn chemicals," she said. "That changes the level of phosphorous in the water and makes it much more amenable to algae growth. We have done a lot of education in the surrounding neighborhood for the last five years about not using lawn chemicals, and being careful when it comes to using power washers to clean."

The other fuel for algae blooms – very high water temperatures – is less avoidable, but Wilson is hopeful this will be another summer where the lake is open full-time.

"We'll have to see what happens if this heat wave we are getting this week lasts into August," she said prior to this past weekend's scorcher. "But right now we're looking good."

Keeping both Crystal Lake and Gath Swimming Pool at Albemarle Park open throughout the hot summer months requires vigilance and strict adherence to state guidelines from city and Newton Parks and Recreation staff. Wilson said Gath Pool is tested each season before it opens for pseudomonas bacteria, which can cause severe ear infections and skin rashes, then tested four times a day for proper chlorine and pH levels.

"It's a big responsibility running a pool and you have to stay on top of it," Wilson said. "Parks and Recreation is really conscientious about it with their certified pool operators and lifeguards."

She said Gath Pool also has a "strict fecal policy" where the pool has to be closed if any human waste is detected.

The Centers for Disease Control caused quite a stir three weeks ago when it reported an uptick in cryptosporidiosis — a parasite-borne illness that can cause bouts of "profuse, watery diarrhea" — being contracted in public swimming areas. The cause of the disease is often people going swimming too soon after being sick and spreading the illness to those who swallow infected water. The CDC report said crypto outbreaks increased annually at an average rate of 13 percent.

Walsh said there have been no crypto issues in the Newton pool.

One issue, however, that the city has dealt with is water-clarity problems. She said lotions can wash off and build up in the water to the point where the pool has to be closed.

"We advise everyone to shower ahead of time before using Gath Pool," said Newton Senior Environmental Health Specialist Kyle Simpson said. "It's part of the pool code of conduct, so everyone should be doing that. But taking a cleansing shower before going in the water helps keep the water clear."

Wilson said Crystal Lake is also tested five days before it opens for bacteria, E. coli and total chloroform levels. An outside lab then tests a sample once per week to make sure the water is safe for swimming and recreation.