Indian Lake closed by blue-green algae pollution

WORCESTER — City officials ordered Indian Lake closed Friday ahead of the long holiday weekend after tests confirmed high levels of toxic cyanobateria (blue-green algae) in the water.

The city runs two public beaches, Indian Lake Beach and Shore Park, plus Morgan Landing, around the densely developed lake.

People and pets should avoid coming in contact with the water at Indian Lake until further notice, city officials said in a news release Friday evening. The closure of the lake includes a ban on fishing.

Contact with cyanobacteria can cause liver or neurological damage, stomach upsets, asthma-like symptoms, and skin and eye irritation. Small children and pets are more susceptible to the effects of toxins than adults

Anyone who comes in contact with the water should rinse their skin off immediately.

The Environmental Protection Agency says excess nutrients, such as phosphorus, and warm temperatures are among the factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms. The city released a report in February saying Indian Lake is “highly threatened,” primarily by excess fertilizing chemicals, such as phosphorus, running into the lake.

The lake will remain closed until additional laboratory tests reveal lower levels. All recreational lakes and ponds in Worcester are monitored for cyanobacteria. There are also a pool, two spray parks, and five other public swimming areas in Worcester.

About the same time Indian Lake was closed, Patch Reservoir reopened for recreational activity after being closed because of a blue-green algae bloom.