WORCESTER, Mass. — Worcester officials are warning residents to avoid swimming and fishing in part of Lake Quinsigamond after a sanitary sewer overflow released thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater Friday morning.
According to the city, the leak occurred around 5:20 AM near 23 Southwest Cutoff, also known as Route 20.
Officials said approximately 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed from an underground pipe and spilled onto the street. City crews responded and stopped the leak by 7:23 a.m.
While the sewer system is now operating normally, some of the wastewater entered the storm drain system and ultimately flowed into Lake Quinsigamond through O’Hara Brook near Whitla Drive and Ideal Road.
As a result, city officials say there is a possibility of elevated E. coli levels in the affected area of the lake.
The city has restricted swimming and fishing in that section of Lake Quinsigamond and is urging the public to use caution until water quality improves.
Officials said water testing will be conducted daily, and restrictions will remain in place until E. coli levels return to acceptable levels for recreational use.
The city will provide updates once testing shows the water is safe.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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