The Charles River — the body of “Dirty Water” that the Standells immortalized in song — just got a little dirtier. Water samples collected recently by the Charles River Watershed Association confirmed an outbreak of Blue-Green Algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in the river’s Lower Basin.

According to an Aug. 30 CRWA press release, concentrations of the cyanobacteria in this water — which includes the stretch of river near the University — has exceeded 70,000 cells per milliliter of water, which is the quality standard established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Blue-green Algae blooms in warm, shallow water that has received polluted runoff, according to the press release. This area of Massachusetts has experienced drought-like conditions and warm summer weather, which likely caused the algae to flourish. When present in large concentrations, the cyanobacteria can give the water a green, murky appearance.

According to the press release, the cyanobacteria can also produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. “Exposure to these toxins can cause eye, ear, and skin irritation,” the press release noted. “Emerging science shows a possible link to neurodegenerative diseases and a possibility of exposure by inhalation.”

The toxins can also persist for two weeks following a bloom, as the cyanobacteria are most likely to release toxins as they die off, the press release added.

The CRWA advises boaters to either avoid boating in the polluted water or to find a cleaner stretch of water to use. They also caution individuals to avoid contact with the polluted water and to ensure their pets do the same. In case of contact with the polluted water, the CRWA advises that the individual wash the area of contact thoroughly.

Blue-Green Algae was first observed in the Charles River near the University in 2012. This is the first bloom on the Lower Basin this summer.

—Abby Patkin