Indian Lake shut down: High bacteria count could be toxic

WORCESTER ― Indian Lake is closed until further notice due to elevated bacteria levels that could be toxic.

The city announced the move Thursday afternoon. Cyanobacteria is the culprit, and testing indicates levels that may be harmful to anyone who comes into contact with the water.

There is no swimming, boating or fishing allowed for the time being. Pets are advised to stay away from the water. Testing will continue and the lake will reopen when the water is determined to be safe.

The problem could be weather-related. Low water levels in Ararat Brook that feed into Indian Lake altered the effectiveness of equipment that sends minimum amounts of polyaluminum chloride into the lake to reduce cyanobacteria.

The city will monitor the equipment to lessen the amount of cyanobacteria in Indian Lake.

Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com . Follow him on Twitter @henrytelegram

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Indian Lake shut down: High bacteria count could be toxic