A sanitary sewer overflow along Southwest Cutoff early Friday morning sent an estimated 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into the storm drainage system, prompting public health precautions near Lake Quinsigamond.
According to the City of Worcester, the overflow occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m. in the vicinity of 23 Southwest Cutoff (Route 20) after wastewater discharged from an underground sewer pipe onto the street.
City crews responded immediately and stopped the leak by 7:23 a.m., according to the city’s announcement. Officials said the sewer system is now operating normally.
While much of the wastewater remained on the roadway, some entered the storm sewer system, which drains into O’Hara Brook before flowing into Lake Quinsigamond near Whitla Drive and Ideal Road.
Because of the potential for elevated E. coli bacteria levels, the city is advising residents to avoid fishing and swimming in that section of the lake until water quality returns to acceptable levels.
The city said water samples will be collected and tested daily, with restrictions remaining in place until testing shows the area is safe for recreational use.
Officials are also urging residents to use caution in and around the affected portion of the lake until further notice.
The city did not immediately release information about what caused the sewer overflow.
