Freeman Lake In Chelmsford Reopens As Heat Wave Approaches

CHELMSFORD, MA —Freeman Lake has reopened after regular testing found high levels of bacteria in the water earlier this week, forcing it to close.

The Board of Health closed Freeman Lake in North Chelmsford on July 15, when weekly testing came back over the acceptable levels for humans and pets. But a subsequent test revealed the levels had fallen back under state guidelines, according to Town officials.

This means the lake is back open for swimmers and is safe for pets again. And just in time for the expected heatwave to hit.

According to the National Weather Service, Saturday temperatures will get up to around 93 degrees in Chelmsford. The weather service is predicting temperatures to hit 96 on Sunday and then stay around that high for Monday and dip down to around 92 for Tuesday.

Read more: Worst Heat Of 2020 Coming To MA This Weekend

Beaches throughout the state were reopened to the public as part of Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan in late May. The opening came with a caveat, several guidelines for visitors were also put in place to ensure the safety of those using the amenities and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The town installed signs at both Heart Pond and Freeman Lake beaches listing the state guidelines on May 22. But shortly after, several people complained to the Chelmsford Board of Health that beachgoers were not following the guidelines, prompting visits from department officials who saw it themselves.

In response, the Town of Chelmsford closed both beaches in an effort to promote public health amid the ongoing pandemic. Later, the town lifted the ban as more guidelines came out from the state.

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