A no swimming advisory has been issued after sewage overflowed into Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Massachusetts.
City officials said the no swimming advisory is in effect until further notice following a sanitary sewer overflow into the lake. Recreational activities like boating are also prohibited.
The sewage release occurred for about 75 minutes on Tuesday morning due to a problem at a sewage pumping station.
Bacteria from the overflow can increase the risk of getting sick by consumption of contaminated water.
“It’s certainly concerning, which is why we issued the public health advisory,” Amanda Wilson, director of inspectional services for Worcester, said.
Some swimmers said they did not find out about the sewage until they had already been swimming in it.
“It’s kind of gross now that you think of it,” Tom Blanchette said after he had been swimming with his family. “We have to go home and shower I guess.”
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City officials said they will continue to monitor and sample the lake water to ensure that it is safe before it is reopened to swimming and other recreational activities.
