Worcester Lake Reopens After Cyanobacteria Closure

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester lake is set to reopen three months after elevated cyanobacteria levels forced the city to close the waterbody to recreation.

Indian Lake will reopen after recent testing found cyanobacteria concentrations no longer pose a public health threat, Worcester officials announced Wednesday. The lake had been closed since Aug. 4 after testing showed cell densities above the state recreational threshold.

Indian Lake covers 193 acres and is used for swimming, boating and fishing. The city monitors the lake as part of its cyanobacteria management program.

Back in August, testing identified Microcystis, Planktolyngbya and Aphanocapsa as the dominant cyanobacteria. All three can produce toxins harmful to people and animals, city officials said at the time.

The closure occurred during a series of cyanobacteria advisories in the city. Coes Reservoir closed July 22, briefly reopened and closed again Aug. 7 after additional testing found elevated cyanobacteria.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends an advisory when cyanobacteria exceed 70,000 cells per milliliter, a visible scum or mat is present or certain toxin levels are exceeded. The agency generally recommends lifting an advisory after two successive samples collected one week apart show levels below its guidelines, according to state cyanobacteria guidance.

Exposure to harmful cyanobacteria can cause stomach problems, skin rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose or throat and possible neurological or liver damage, according to the state. Young children, immunocompromised people and pets face higher risks.

The city did not provide the latest cell counts or sampling dates in its announcement.

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