Sadly, the cyanobacteria count came back above the state limit today. Another water sample has been submitted to ensure accuracy. However, until further notice, Indian Lake is under a cyanobacteria advisory.
There were no visible signs of this bloom which underscores the importance of regular testing. We are grateful that the City of Worcester continues to lead the effort in monitoring the water quality at all the lakes and ponds with public access.
City press release is as follows:
HEALTH ADVISORY: INDIAN LAKE CLOSED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/16/2019 4:42 PM
The City of Worcester Division of Public Health and the Department of Inspectional Services have issued a public health advisory due to preliminary laboratory results of high levels of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Indian Lake. The lake has been ordered closed until additional laboratory tests are available.
Individuals and their pets are encouraged to avoid coming in contact with the lake until further notice.
Algae and cyanobacteria blooms in New England are most common in summer and early fall. Small numbers of the organisms are naturally occurring in all bodies of water. They can form blooms in certain environmental conditions, such as warm weather, sunlight and excess nutrients in the water. Excess levels of nutrients in the water can come from human related sources such as lawn fertilizers, storm water runoff and wild animal waste. Some kinds of cyanobacteria can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful to humans, dogs, and other animals.
Health concerns from toxin-producing algae vary depending on the type of exposure, and the amount of toxin present. The following recommendations are being offered to avoid algae exposure until further notice:
Do not swim in the lake
Do not allow pets in water
Fishing is prohibited
Do not swallow water
Rinse skin off immediately after contact
Health Risks:
Contact with these algae can cause skin and eye irritation. Ingesting small amounts can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Ingesting large amounts of toxins may cause liver or neurological damage. Inhaling water spray with algae in it can cause asthma-like symptoms. Small children and pets are more susceptible to the effects of toxins than adults.
