For Immediate Release: 8/30/2022 1:27 pm
The City of Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience has contracted the application of copper sulfate to Indian Lake on Wednesday, August 31st, 2022. This is a preventative treatment, and there is currently no threat of harmful algae exposure. The day of the treatment, we advise all persons to stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing, and keep their pets out of the water. Beaches will be posted prior to the application. It is planned to reopen the lake the following day.
Copper sulfate is a safe and effective way to control the growth of harmful, toxin-producing algae. The application of copper sulfate is a common practice to maintain a healthy lake and poses minimal risk to humans and animals after application is complete. The application is coordinated with the Indian Lake Watershed Associations and has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.
For more information on toxin-producing algae (i.e. cyanobacteria) please see our video series “The Blue Space Minute” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZL9RMDapJc.
