Public Health Advisory for Webster Lake - Lake now OPEN (8/27/25)
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY FOR HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS IN WEBSTER LAKE HAS BEEN LIFTED (8/27/25)
The Webster Health Department has issued a Public Health Advisory for all sections of Webster Lake, including North Pond, Middle Pond, and South Pond due to the presence of harmful algal blooms. Use of the lake for swimming and boating is restricted.
The restrictions are in place to protect your health. Operating a boat, jet ski, or other watercraft can create spray and mist that release toxins from the algae into the air. Breathing in these airborne toxins can lead to coughing, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, and other respiratory problems. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to these toxins and may become seriously ill within hours of exposure.
How long will the lake be closed?
We do not have an exact timeline. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires two consecutive water samples, taken one week apart, to confirm safe toxin levels before the advisory can be lifted. This reopening process is determined and approved by the state, not the local health department.
Update – 8/20/25
The Webster Health Department received email notification from the MA Department of Public Health as of 7:10pm, Tuesday August 20, 2025, with the following message:
MDPH collected a water sample from Webster Lake on Tuesday (8/19). Laboratory analysis showed cyanobacteria levels of the following:
- Webster – Middle Basin 4,700 cells/mL
- Webster – North Basin 6,300 cells/mL
- Webster – South Basin 8,900 cells/mL
These levels are below the MDPH guideline level of 70,000 cells/ml. The toxin microcystin was non-detect (<1 ppb).
MDPH requires two rounds of samples below the guideline level, collected one week apart, to recommend rescinding an advisory. This result will be considered the first low sample, and MDPH will sample the lake again next week. We recommend that the advisory remain in place for now.
Based on MDPH recommendation, the Public Health Advisories remain in effect for North Pond, Middle Pond, and South Pond until further notice.
Please contact the Health Department with and concern of health effects at (508) 949-3800 x4002 or email to health.department@webster-ma.gov.