Health & Fitness
Worcester Reservoir Closed Again Due To Cyanobacteria
The body of water is closed to recreational use again after testing detected potentially harmful cyanobacteria.
WORCESTER, MA — Coes Reservoir was closed to recreational use again after testing detected potentially harmful cyanobacteria.
The reservoir was closed on Friday after officials received results showing cyanobacteria densities above the state’s recreational public health threshold. People should stay out of the water, stop boating and fishing and keep pets away until further notice, according to the city.
The dominant cyanobacteria were identified as the genera Aphanizomenon and Woronichinia, both of which can produce toxins, city officials said.
The latest closure comes shortly after Coes Reservoir reopened following an earlier cyanobacteria advisory. The reservoir was initially closed July 22 after testing also found cyanobacteria above the state threshold.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends an advisory when cyanobacteria exceed 70,000 cells per milliliter or when certain toxin levels are elevated. The agency generally recommends lifting an advisory only after two successive samples collected one week apart fall below its guideline values, according to the state’s recreational freshwater cyanobacteria guidelines.
Exposure can cause stomach problems, skin rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose or throat and possible neurological or liver damage, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Young children, immunocompromised people and pets face higher risks.
Indian Lake also remains under a cyanobacteria health advisory. The city will continue testing both lakes and reopen them when cyanobacteria densities are considered safe.
Bell Pond Beach, the city pool and Worcester’s spray parks remain open.
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