NEW: Worcester and Shrewsbury Issue Advisories for Lake Quinsigamond

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Health Team

Lake Quinsigamond

The City of Worcester and the Town of Shrewsbury have alerted the public not to use the areas around Regatta Point and Lake Park Beach on the Worcester side of Lake Quinsigamond for swimming or bathing.

Routine beach water sampling revealed above acceptable bacteria limits for recreational use in the water Monday. Pollutants that caused the increase may have come from different sources, including roads, lawns and sewage.

To protect public health in both Worcester and Shrewsbury, officials are advising residents to not use this section of Lake Quinsigamond until further notice. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and advise the public when the advisory is lifted.

“Illness may occur if contaminated water is consumed, while exposure to eyes, mucous membranes and open wounds may also cause infection,” said Derek Brindisi, Director of Public Health. “The bacteria in the water poses a higher risk to more susceptible groups such as children, elderly or immune compromised.”

For more information, contact the Division of Public Health at 508-799-8531.