City of Worcester, MA
Coes Reservoir Reopened after Cyanobacteria Closure, Coes Pond Parks and Stearns Tavern Reopened Following Investigation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/31/2026 11:45 am
WORCESTER, Mass. – Coes Reservoir is now open following the receipt of test results confirming that cyanobacteria concentrations do not pose a threat to public health. Coes Pond Parks and Stearns Tavern, which closed due to a police investigation, have reopened as well.
On Aug. 28, 2026, the municipality received cyanobacteria density testing results that exceeded the state recreational threshold. Cell densities have declined and there is currently no threat to public health.
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring but can be harmful in high densities. The municipality has an active cyanobacteria monitoring and management program intended to keep our lakes safe for recreation and wildlife. To learn more about cyanobacteria and their toxins, please see our video series “The Blue Space Minute”, which can be accessed with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZL9RMDapJc.
For questions, please call the Department of Sustainability and Resilience at 508-799-8324 or visit https://www.worcesterma.gov/sustainability-resilience/recreational-waters.
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