Worcester Officials Advise Care in Areas of Lake Quinsigamond

The City of Worcester has advised outdoor enthusiasts beware on Lake Quinsigamond for the coming days.

According to a press release from the city, water flow from heavy rain has caused a sanitary sewer to overflow into a drain that leads to the lake near 85 Lake Ave. in Worcester.

Public health officials from Worcester have advised residents to avoid the area immediately south of the Route 9 bridge for swimming, boating, fishing and other recreational uses.

"Illness may occur if contaminated water is consumed, while exposure to eyes, mucous membranes and open wounds may also cause infection," Michael P. Hirsh, MD, Acting Commissioner of Public Health in Worcester, said in a release. "The bacteria in untreated sewage pose a higher risk to highly susceptible groups such as children, elderly or immune compromised."