The town government ordered to close Dean Park pond and Gauch Park Pond “until further notice” following the detection of high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the water.
“Town officials encourage individuals and their pets to avoid contact at both Dean Park Pond and Gauch Park Pond, including fishing, until further notice,” the health advisory states.
The public health advisory was updated on July 19, 2021, after original advisories were posted on July 12 for Dean Park and July 15 for Gauch Park.
The Worcester Division of Public Health and the Town of Shrewsbury Board of Health ordered that both ponds will remain closed “until further laboratory tests reveal acceptable and safe water quality limits.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals. Most E. coli are harmless and are an important part of a healthy human intestinal tract. However, some E. coli are pathogenic, meaning they can cause illness, either diarrhea or illness outside of the intestinal tract. The types of E. coli that can cause diarrhea can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, or contact with animals or persons.
For more information, the Shrewsbury Post recommends you contact the Shrewsbury Health Department at 508-841-8384.
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