The Board of Health has deemed Agawam Mill Pond unsafe for swimming due to an alga bloom.

The board identified the algae as a cyanbacteria bloom which is potentially harmful to both people and pets. Swimming at the pond is now restricted until further notice and pets should not be allowed to drink the water. Anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water is advised to rinse off afterwards.

The board was first notified of the bloom on Sunday, Aug. 5. The State Department of Public Health was unable to sample the algae bloom due to budget cuts, leaving its severity unknown.

Additional information on algae blooms can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/algae.