E. Coli At Worcester Beaches: City Closes Swimming Areas

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester has closed two beaches — including one of the few with lifeguards on duty this summer — after water tests revealed high E. Coli bacteria levels.

The Shore Park beach on Indian Lake and Coes Pond beach along Mill Street will remain closed until bacteria levels recede. High bacteria levels are often found after heavy rains due to stormwater runoff. Worcester saw several days of torrential rains over the July 4 weekend and holiday.

The two closures leave Bell Hill Park as the only city-run freshwater beach available at the moment. Shore Park is the only freshwater beach with lifeguards on watch this summer. The beach is run by the next-door Greendale YMCA.

Read more: Worcester 2023 Summer Swimming: What Beaches Are Open, Closed

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation operates two Lake Quinsigamond swimming areas: Regatta Point and Lake Park. Those opened over Memorial Day and will have lifeguard coverage through the summer.