City of Worcester, MA
Indian Lake to Undergo Nuisance Aquatic Plant Treatment Monday, June 30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/26/2025 3:02 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience has contracted an application of the herbicide diquat dibromide to portions of Indian Lake for Monday, June 30, 2025. Individuals should stay out of the water, discontinue boat use and fishing, and keep their pets out of the water until Tuesday, July 1.
The treatment targets excessive growth of the aquatic plant Elodea and reduction in growth of rooted plants is expected to be noticeable within a few days to one week after treatment. Plant fragments floating on the surface of the water are already dead and decomposing. Treatment may accelerate decomposition of floating fragments.
Herbicide treatments are a safe and effective method to control the growth of the nuisance aquatic plant Elodea. The application of herbicides is a common practice to reduce weed density and poses no risk to humans and animals after application is complete. Application is coordinated with the Indian Lake Watershed Association and has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.
For questions, please call the Department of Sustainability and Resilience at 508-799-8324 or visit www.worcesterma.gov/sustainability-resilience.