WESTBOROUGH – Recent volunteer water testing results at Lake Chauncy indicate that there are low levels of the indicator pigment phycocyanin, signifying that the density of cyanobacteria is low.
Cyanobacteria is also known as blue-green algae. According to the CDC, cyanobacteria can produce toxins that make humans and animals sick.
The overall risk of a cyanobacteria bloom at Chauncy is “elevated,” according to a press release from the town. However, results do not indicate that a bloom is occurring at this time, or that there are elevated levels of toxins in the water. Lake Chauncy remains safe to enjoy.
The Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) collects samples every two weeks, and it will be keeping a close eye on changes in the status of the condition of the lake.
For more information on how to interpret the WCMC results, please see the reverse side of the latest WCMC Results page or the WCMC webpage at www.WorcesterMA.gov/WCMC.