WORCESTER — The city’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience will be treating Indian Lake with copper sulfate, an algaecide, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as a preventative measure to control harmful algae growth.
According to a city press release, there is currently no threat of harmful algae exposure in the lake. However, residents are advised to avoid entering the water, suspend boat use, and keep pets away during the treatment. Additionally, the public is urged not to use water from Indian Lake for irrigation or watering livestock until restrictions are lifted the following day. Beaches around the lake will be clearly posted prior to the application.
Copper sulfate is used to control cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and pets when their populations grow too large. The city notes that this method is a standard, safe practice approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission, with minimal risk after the treatment is completed.
For further information about cyanobacteria and lake health, the city recommends watching their video series “The Blue Space Minute,” which we’ll share right here:
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
- The Worcester Guardian is an independent nonprofit news organization. Support local journalism by making a DONATION today.
