Parts of Turner's Pond are beginning to clear two weeks after the Milton Health Department closed the popular waterway on July 22, but the pond remains unsafe for people and pets until state testing confirms the harmful algae bloom is gone.

Assistant Health Director Karolyn Ho said some areas of the pond look better while others remain contaminated. "We went out recently, and some spots are clear. There are certain areas that are not as clear yet, but other areas have begun to clear up," Ho told the Milton Times.

The timeline for lifting the advisory is uncertain. Ho said it could be a matter of days but cautioned that the process depends on both visible improvement and lab results. Once the water appears clear, the Milton Health Department will notify the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which will then test to confirm the bloom is gone.

That confirmation isn't quick. Under state guidelines, MassDPH requires two rounds of water samples collected one week apart, both showing fewer than 70,000 cyanobacteria cells per milliliter, before an advisory can be lifted.

The town warned of a harmful algae bloom at Turner's Pond on July 22 after the bloom was first identified. The "Caution... Harmful Algal Bloom Present" signs remain up along the footpath, and the health department continues to urge residents not to swim, boat, drink the water or eat fish caught from the pond.

Exposure through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion can cause irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and liver damage. Pets face even greater danger, with potential fatality. Officials recommend rinsing off immediately after any contact with the water.

On July 22, while posting the warning signs, health officials spotted children fishing at the pond and warned them not to eat anything they caught.

The bloom is naturally occurring, and the health department says the best approach is to let it run its course. According to MassDPH guidance, algae blooms can last weeks during summer or disappear quickly depending on conditions.

No specific reopening date has been set. Residents should keep themselves and their pets away from the water until the town announces the advisory has been lifted.