For Immediate Release: 9/11/2021 10:00 pm
The City of Worcester’s Department of Inspectional Services has ordered the closing of Indian Lake for elevated levels of cyanobacteria. All persons should stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing, and keep their pets out of the water until further notice.
On Sept. 11, the City received cyanobacteria testing results above recreational thresholds determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. As such, the lake may be at elevated risk for the presence of cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets. The City will continue to test the lake for both cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, and reopen the lake when it is determined safe to do so.
The City of Worcester’s Sustainability and Resilience Office has an active cyanobacteria monitoring and management program intended to keep our lakes safe for recreation and wildlife.
To learn more about cyanobacteria and their toxins, please refer to our educational video series “The Blue Space Minute,” which can be accessed with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92wTVUX1MI.
