Indian Lake is off limits for now, and city officials are making the warning fairly simple: Don’t swim in it, don’t fish in it, don’t boat on it — and definitely don’t let the dog take a dip.
The city closed Indian Lake to the public Tuesday after testing found cyanobacteria at levels exceeding the state’s recreational public health threshold, according to an announcement from Worcester’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience.
The elevated levels mean the water may contain toxins harmful to people and pets. The closure will remain in effect until further testing shows cyanobacteria concentrations have returned to safe levels.
City officials said they received the latest test results Tuesday, Aug. 4. Testing identified three dominant types of cyanobacteria — Microcystis, Planktolyngbya and Aphanocapsa — all of which have the potential to produce toxins.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has advised that Indian Lake remain closed while the elevated levels persist.
Cyanobacteria occur naturally in water, but under certain conditions they can multiply rapidly and reach concentrations that pose a health risk. Often referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria can produce toxins that may cause illness in people and animals exposed to contaminated water.
For the duration of the closure, the city is advising people to avoid all contact with the lake. That includes swimming, boating and fishing. Pets should also be kept away from the water.
Worcester maintains a cyanobacteria monitoring and management program for city lakes, and officials said testing at Indian Lake will continue.
There is no estimated reopening date. The lake will remain closed until test results show cyanobacteria densities have fallen to levels considered safe for recreational use.
Residents with questions can contact the city’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience at 508-799-8324.
