City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – Smith Pond Beach (also known as Cooks Pond) has reopened after test results confirmed that current E.coli bacteria concentrations do not pose a threat to public health. 

On Aug. 5, 2026, the City of Worcester Department of Inspectional Services (ISD) determined there was a presence of E.Coli bacteria at Smith Pond Beach exceeding water quality standards. As a result, ISD and the Worcester Division of Public Health issued a public health advisory on Wednesday, Aug. 5, closing the semi-public beach to the public until additional laboratory tests indicated acceptable bacteria levels. ISD closely monitored the situation, and following several days of testing found that water samples now meet water quality standards. 

E. Coli is a type of bacteria found in the digestive tract of warm-blooded animals, including geese, pets, and humans. These bacteria do not naturally live in lakes and ponds, and can enter the water through direct contact with animal waste, runoff during rainstorms, leaking septic tanks, or illicit sewer connections that empty sewage to the stormwater system. There are no visual indicators of E. Coli, and laboratory testing is required to confirm safe levels. E. Coli bacteria levels can often subside quickly, within a day to a few days after an initial closure.