WORCESTER – City Manager Ed Augustus’ office released a statement on Tuesday, February 8, related to the wastewater overflow into Lake Quinsigamond that began on the morning of Sunday, February 6.
The City of Worcester Division of Public Health and the Department of Inspectional Services previously issued a public health advisory on Sunday as a precaution.
The City is warning residents to not use the lake for recreational activities like ice fishing in the vicinity of the pumping station and to the south of it until further notice.
The pumping station is next to the Lakeshore Condominiums.
Announcement: pic.twitter.com/7NtxOdDZAB
— City of Worcester (@TweetWorcester) February 6, 2022
According to Augustus’ office, a wastewater pipe leak flooded the dry well portion of the wastewater pumping station, causing the system’s pumps to stop. Electrical equipment was submerged, requiring inspection and rebuilding of some components. The pump station remained out of service for around 36 hours, before being able to be safely restarted around 5:45 PM on Tuesday.
An estimated 4 million gallons of untreated wastewater entered Lake Quinsigamond during that time. Tanker trucks called in for assistance prevented another 200,000 to 500,000 gallons from entering the lake.
The Department of Inspectional Services is conducting sampling open water to determine bacteria levels.
Individuals should not use the lake for recreational activities such as ice fishing in the vicinity of the pumping station at 83 Lake Ave., and to the south of it, until further notice.
The affected pumping station is the largest capacity station with the capacity to handle up to 20 million gallons per day.
