WORCESTER – The presence of cyanobacteria above the recreational threshold caused the Department of Inspectional Services to close Coe Reservoir on Wednesday, Oct. 5. All individuals should stay out of the water, including for boating or fishing, keep pets out of reservoir water, and avoid contact with scums.
Human or pet contact with scums should be washed off with freshwater immediately. Pet ingestion of scum should result on contact with a veterinarian.
Cyanobacteria occurs naturally but can be harmful in high density. The lake will remain closed until further notice based on guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The city actively tests cyanotoxins in its lakes.
Testing revealed genus Microcystis, which has the ability to produce toxins, as the dominant cyanobacteria present in the lake.
