Elevated PFAS In Lake Cochituate​ Prompts Fish Warning

NATICK, MA — Lake Cochituate is among 13 bodies of water where fish have tested positive for high levels of PFAS chemicals, prompting a warning to people in Natick, Framingham and Wayland to avoid eating fish caught in them.

The state Department of Public Health recently tested fish in lakes and ponds near state parks due to their popularity with anglers. The water at swimming areas did not test for elevated PFAS, only the fish, officials said.

The 13 bodies of water include: Ashland Reservoir; Chicopee Reservoir; Lake Cochituate in Natick; Dennison Lake in Winchendon; Dunn Pond in Gardner; Fearing Pond in Plymouth; Houghton's Pond in Milton; Pearce Lake in Saugus; Pequot Pond in Westfield; Lake Quinsigamond; Walden Pond in Concord; Wallum Lake in Douglas; and Watson's Pond in Taunton.

"DPH prioritized the testing of fish and surface water at these water bodies because they are popular locations for swimming and fishing. They are also located in communities in or near Environmental Justice Populations, where the existing burden of disease and exposure to sources of pollution are greatest," state officials said.

The advisory for each body of water is slightly different, and in some cases accompanies an existing advisory. For example, the state recommends that children under 12, pregnant women, nursing mothers and "women of child-bearing age" shouldn't eat any fish caught in Lake Cochituate.

For the general public, it's advised to limit fish caught from the lake to one meal every two months, except in the case of American eel, which should be avoided entirely.

See the full list of advisories here.

With reporting from Neal McNamara.