The week of July 22nd brought an unexpected event at Indian Lake: the Shore Park Beach was closed due to a high level of bacteria detected in the daily collected water sample. While this is not ideal, please keep in mind that it has been several years since either beach has been closed due to elevated bacteria counts. All signs point to the torrential rains in the days prior combined with the large geese population as the culprit.
The city beach at the end of Clason Road remained open with bacteria count in normal range. All the outfalls to the lake were also within normal range.
There was a mistake made with the press release that the City sent out which indicated the entire lake was closed due to bacteria counts. A revision was issued indicating the closure was for was Shore Park only but not before the incorrect information was shared repeatedly, several media outlets took the liberty of painting a bleak picture of the lake and folks vented their dismay on social media.
While mistakes happen, please know that the incorrect template was used because it has been several years since either beach had to be closed for bacteria. The confusion escalated as we already had a planned algae (cyanobacteria) treatment for Thursday in which the lake is closed for the day for the treatment. This is a pro-active measure to keep this type of algae within state guidelines and made possible because of regular testing which only a handful of cities and towns invest in.
Geese have been a problem at lakes and ponds in the area for many years and the City of Worcester is constantly implementing new techniques to manage them. Many of these techniques were presented to residents at our April public meeting. You can find some of the challenges and techniques in the brochure below:
One of the many things that attracts geese is food! The City picks up trash daily at the public parks and beaches but often times, the remnants of sandwiches and cookouts do not make it into the trash receptacles. Thus, we ask that you be sure to pick up your refuse at any public space you visit and consider taking your trash wish you if the receptacle is full. The City is constantly reviewing pickup procedures and times to ensure that containers are emptied in the most efficient way possible.
In addition, please consider reading about all the positive work being done at our Worcester recreational waterways, including Indian Lake. We are so fortunate that the City has made our 'Blue Spaces' a priority. Learning about challenges, short term management, long term plans and the efforts of many people can only help us to become better informed and advocates for our beautiful lake.
