Worcester lake to be treated to prevent algae blooms harmful to people, animals
Worcester's Indian Lake will be treated on Thursday to prevent harmful algae blooms from growing in the lake's water, City Manager Eric Batista's office said Tuesday.
There is currently no threat of harmful algae exposure for anyone who has visited the lake, but the city asks that people stay out of the water on Thursday to allow the treatment to be done, Batista's office said in a statement. Along with keeping pets out of the water, people are asked not to use the water from the lake to irrigate plants or lawns or to water livestock.
Contractors hired by the Department of Sustainability and Resilience will apply algaecide copper sulfate to the lake, Batista's office said. This compound is a safe and effective way to control any algae, or cyanobacteria, from growing.
"The application of copper sulfate products is a common practice to maintain a healthy lake and poses minimal risk to humans and animals after application is complete," Batista's office said. "This application has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission."
Cyanobacteria can produce toxins harmful to people and animals entering the water, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Cyanobacteria blooms are why several Massachusetts beaches have been closed on and off throughout the summer.
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