City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Department of Inspectional Services (ISD) has determined there is a presence of E.Coli bacteria at Smith Pond Beach (also known as Cooks Pond) 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 indicate acceptable bacteria levels. 

All persons should stay out of the water until further notice. 

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.