WORCESTER, MA — Smith Pond Beach has reopened after bacteria levels prompted officials to close the swimming area for nearly a week.
The city announced Tuesday that laboratory tests found E. coli concentrations at the semi-public beach, also known as Cooks Pond, no longer pose a public health threat and meet water quality standards.
The Department of Inspectional Services and Worcester Division of Public Health closed the beach Aug. 5 after testing detected E. coli levels exceeding water quality standards. Inspectional Services continued monitoring the pond and collected water samples over several days before lifting the closure.
E. coli is found in the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals, including geese, pets and humans. The bacteria can enter ponds through animal waste, stormwater runoff, leaking septic tanks or sewer connections that discharge into stormwater systems, according to the city.
The bacteria cannot be detected visually, making laboratory testing necessary to determine whether water is safe. Elevated levels can subside within several days of an initial closure, city officials said.
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