Toxic algae blooms composed of cyanobacteria are affecting parts of the Charles River right now. When will it be safe? Here's what to know.

BOSTON - People and their pets are advised to stay away from the water along a portion of the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge because of a toxic algae bloom. The area between the Charles River Dam and the Longfellow Bridge is currently experiencing a harmful cyanobacterial bloom,

The bacteria can be dangerous to humans and animals, health officials say. The post Harmful bacteria bloom found in Charles River appeared first on Boston.com.

The Charles River. Due to a dangerous cyanobacteria algae bloom downstream of the Longfellow Bridge, the Boston Public Health Commission issued a public health advisory to keep residents from engaging in recreational aquatic activities in the affected areas of the Charles River. ZACH SCHWARTZ/DFP PHOTOGRAPHER

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health posted an advisory for the area of the river between the Longfellow Bridge and the Cambridge Dam due to a bloom of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria is a blue-green algae that can release cyanotoxins,

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed a cyanobacteria bloom at Longfellow Bridge’s downstream of the Charles River. This the first major bloom in four years and is being considered a public health advisory.

A major bloom of blue-green algae has been discovered in part of the Charles River, prompting a public health advisory for people not to swim, fish, boat, or take part in other forms of recreation. The algae, formally known as cyanobacteria, was confirmed downstream of the Longfellow Bridge on Thursday by the state Department of Public Health.