WORCESTER — If you’re planning to swim, fish, or boat at Indian Lake early next week, you’ll want to hit pause for a day.
The city announced it will treat parts of Indian Lake with an herbicide on Monday, June 30, to help manage a fast-spreading aquatic plant known as Elodea. The treatment is aimed at curbing nuisance growth that’s been taking over parts of the lake.
The herbicide being used is diquat dibromide, which the city says is commonly used to manage invasive aquatic plants. While the application itself is considered safe, officials are asking the public to stay out of the water, avoid boating or fishing, and keep pets away until Tuesday, July 1.
According to the announcement, residents should start seeing results — including less visible plant life — within a few days to a week. Plant fragments already floating on the water are likely dead and decomposing, and the treatment may speed that process up.
The herbicide application is being handled in coordination with the Indian Lake Watershed Association and was approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission, the city said.
For more information or questions, residents can contact the Department of Sustainability and Resilience at 508-799-8324 or visit worcesterma.gov/sustainability-resilience.
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