For Immediate Release: 8/1/2024 3:25 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – The Department of Inspectional Services has ordered the closing of Indian Lake due to the presence of cyanobacteria in densities that exceed the recreational threshold and therefore may contain toxins harmful to humans and pets. All persons should stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing, and keep their pets out of the water until further notice. People and pets should avoid contact with scums.
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring but can be harmful in high densities. On Aug. 1, 2024, the municipality received cyanobacteria density testing results that exceeded the state recreational threshold. The dominant cyanobacteria present were identified as the genus Planktolyngbya and genus Aphanocapsa, which have the capacity to produce toxins. Because of this, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises that the lake remains closed until further testing results show safe densities. The municipality will continue to test for both cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, and reopen the lake when it is determined safe to do so.
If you or your pet has had contact with surface scums, wash off with freshwater immediately. If your pet has ingested any of the scums, contact your vet.
In an effort to prevent severe cyanobacteria blooms, the municipality adds low amounts of polyaluminum chloride to the water using a dosing station at the mouth of Ararat Brook at Indian Lake. This process reduces the amount of excess nutrients in the water and reduces the growth of cyanobacteria. However, low flows in Ararat Brook over the past weeks have reduced the efficacy of the dosing station. The municipality will continue to refine station operations to reduce cyanobacteria levels.
The municipality has an active cyanobacteria monitoring and management program intended to keep its lakes safe for recreation and wildlife. To learn more about cyanobacteria and their toxins, please see our video series “The Blue Space Minute.”
For questions, please call the Department of Sustainability and Resilience (DSR) at 508-799-8325 or visit the DSR website.
