Health & Fitness
Indian Lake Closed After Cyanobacteria Exceeds Health Threshold
Testing results showed cyanobacteria densities above the state's recreational public health threshold.
WORCESTER, MA — Indian Lake is closed until further notice after testing detected potentially harmful levels of cyanobacteria, city officials announced Tuesday.
Testing results from Tuesday showed cyanobacteria densities above the state’s recreational public health threshold, according to the Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience. Officials said people should avoid the water, stop boating and fishing and keep pets out of the lake.
The dominant cyanobacteria detected were Microcystis, Planktolyngbya and Aphanocapsa, which can produce toxins harmful to people and animals, according to the city.
Cyanobacteria occur naturally but can become harmful at high concentrations. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises keeping the lake closed until additional testing shows densities have returned to safe levels.
Worcester will continue testing the water and reopen Indian Lake when officials determine it is safe.
More information is available through the city’s Blue Space program and “The Blue Space Minute” video series. Questions can be directed to the Department of Sustainability and Resilience at 508-799-8324.
See Also:
