Cyanobacteria & E. Coli Reports

Lake Attitash can experience cyanobacteria blooms. It is recommended that if you suspect cyanobacteria that you and your pets should avoid the water and contact your local Board of Health.

If you live in Merrimac, contact the Merrimac BOH and if you live in Amesbury, contact the Amesbury BOH.

The Amesbury BOH is testing AALSIA beach, which is on the eastern side of the lake. Results are posted weekly from Memorial through Labor Day weekend and are available through the following link: Water Quality Testing | Amesbury, MA (amesburyma.gov )

Below are some links that may be helpful.

Massachusetts information:
- Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) & Water | Mass.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- General Information | Harmful Algal Blooms | CDC
- Protect Yourself and Your Pets | Harmful Algal Blooms | CDC

You can help improve water quality!

Individuals around the lake and in the watershed (areas that eventually drain into the lake) can do a lot to help improve the water quality in the lake and reduce the amounts of weeds and algae. You can also help by politely educating your neighbors and visitors about how to improve and protect the lake.

Much has been published on the subject of lake water quality, and you might be surprised about how activities near the lake can affect it. Here are some links to information that can make you a better neighbor to Lake Attitash:

General tips about pollution sources (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Living lake smart (Lake Attitash Association)
You can help improve Lake Attitash water quality (Lake Attitash Association)
Buffer gardens and native plants (Lake Attitash Association)
Things You Can Do to Reduce Pollution – Mass DEP
Lawns and Landscaping to Improve Water Quality - Mass DEP

The association is also continuing with its water monitoring activities to gauge the success of efforts to reduce weeds, algae, and bacteria, and to improve water clarity. These activities require considerable volunteer effort for water sampling, weed mapping, and data collection. If you'd like to help, please contact us. Training is available, so experience is not necessary.

Click these links for the latest information: