Worcester's Indian Lake Closed Due To Blue-Green Algae

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester's Indian lake was closed on Monday afternoon after high levels of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, were reported. Exposure to the toxic algae when levels are high can be harmful to humans and pets.

The lake was ordered closed until additional laboratory tests are available.

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, the city said. 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 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.

Worcester's Division of Public Health and the Department of Inspectional Services warned residents:

• 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

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.