Indian Lake remains closed

WORCESTER – Indian Lake remains closed because a health risk from blue-green algae, according to the city Division of Public Health and Department of Inspectional Services.

The city issued a public health advisory Friday and closed the lake to swimming and fishing after lab tests showed high levels of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. People are advised not to allow pets in the water, not to swallow the water, and to rinse skin immediately after contact with the water.

The city said it will work with environmental health specialists to monitor water quality, and the lake will be closed until additional lab tests show improvement.

Cyanobacteria are microscopic and naturally occurring in all water bodies, with some species growing in sediments while others can move within the water. Warm weather, sunlight and excess nutrients in the water aid the growth of the algae. Excess levels of nutrients can come from human-related sources.