Health & Fitness
Coes Reservoir Closed Due To Cyanobacteria
The body of water is closed to swimming, boating and fishing until further notice.
WORCESTER, MA — Coes Reservoir is closed to swimming, boating and fishing after testing found elevated levels of cyanobacteria, city officials said.
The Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience received test results on Wednesday that showed cyanobacteria densities above the state recreational public health threshold. The lake will remain closed until further testing shows levels are safe, according to the city.
All people should stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing and keep pets away from the reservoir until further notice, officials said. Cyanobacteria can occur naturally but may be harmful in high densities, especially when toxin-producing types are present.
The dominant cyanobacteria found at Coes Reservoir were identified as Aphanizomenon and Woronichinia, two types that have the capacity to produce toxins, according to the city.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also advised that the lake remain closed until additional testing shows safe densities. Worcester officials said the city will continue testing for cyanobacteria and reopen the lake once it is determined to be safe.
The city has an active cyanobacteria monitoring and management program for local lakes.
More information is available through Worcester’s Blue Space program here.
