For Immediate Release: 9/15/2021 1:34 pm
The City of Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks has contracted for a preventative application of copper sulfate to Coes Reservoir on Thursday, September 16, 2021. We advise all persons to stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing, and keep their pets out of the water on this day. Beaches will be posted prior to the application. The City plans to reopen the reservoir on Friday, September 17, 2021.
This is not a closure due to a cyanobacteria/blue green algae bloom. Copper sulfate is a safe and effective way to control the growth of toxin-producing algae before they multiply to densities that are considered harmful to public health. 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 has been coordinated with the Tatnuck brook Watershed Association and approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.
To learn more about cyanobacteria, please see the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92wTVUX1MI&list=PL3TD3ySXewEwFUGH4SqJSRAk_T9Y05pYm&index=5
