For Immediate Release: 8/26/2020 8:32 am
The City of Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks has contracted for the application of the herbicide imazamox (trade name Clearcast) to Coes Reservoir for Thursday, August 27, 2020. We advise all persons to discontinue using water from Coes Reservoir for irrigation of plants or lawns or watering livestock, and to keep clear of application boats for the duration of the day. Recreational use in the swimming area may continue. Beaches will be posted prior to the application. The water will be safe for all uses again on Friday, August 28.
Herbicide treatments are a safe and effective method to control the growth of the invasive aquatic plant Trapa natans, also referred to as water chestnut. The application of herbicides is a common practice to reduce invasive weed density and poses no risk to humans and animals after application is complete, though water use for irrigation is discouraged. The application is coordinated with the Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association and has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.
