WORCESTER—The city’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience is applying an algae treatment to Coes Reservoir on Thursday, Sept. 5. Contractors treat the water with copper sulfate, which is a commonly used algaecide to prevent harmful algae growth.
Though there is no current risk of harmful algae exposure, residents are advised to avoid the water on the day of treatment. The city recommends refraining from boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as keeping pets out of the water. Additionally, residents should not use the water for plant or lawn irrigation or for watering livestock until the following day, when restrictions will be lifted.
Copper sulfate is considered safe for controlling toxin-producing algae and poses minimal risk to humans and animals after treatment. The application has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.
For more information on algae and its potential effects, the city has produced a video series, “The Blue Space Minute,” available on YouTube.
