Natick issues cyanobacteria advisory for Middle Pond at Lake Cochituate
NATICK — Town officials issued a cyanobacteria advisory Thursday afternoon for the Middle Pond of Lake Cochituate after state conservation staff spotted blue-green algae at levels that may exceed public-health guidelines, capping a week in which Natick also imposed a mandatory ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.
TOWN HALL The Department of Conservation & Recreation flagged visual evidence of cyanobacteria in Middle Pond at concentrations that may exceed Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines, the town said in an alert posted Thursday afternoon. Residents should avoid contact with the water and keep pets away until the advisory is lifted.
The advisory lands one day after the town declared a mandatory ban on all nonessential outdoor water uses, the most restrictive tier in Natick's drought-response framework. Details on what's prohibited are posted on the town's water-use restrictions page.
Town Hall is also recruiting residents to fill seats on local boards and committees, with applications due Saturday, May 30. And the Department of Public Works released its updated week-of-May-25 schedule for the 2025 Roadway Improvements contract, along with a fresh status note on the 2026 contract.
COMMUNITY & ARTS Natick Is United has rolled out the calendar for Natick Pride 2026, a month of community events organized around the themes "Celebrate. Create. Connect." Programming and locations are listed on the organization's Pride 2026 page.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "Natick Wants Your Feedback On Snow Removal Efforts – Just Take The Poll" — The town is asking residents to weigh in on this past winter's plowing and sidewalk-clearing work through a short online survey that closes Thursday, per Natick Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick)
"Meet the new advocate working for every veteran in Natick" — Patch's morning newsletter profiles the town's newly appointed veterans' advocate and the services the office is offering local vets, according to Natick Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick)
"High-End Asian Grocer, T Market, Approaches Opening In Natick Mall – Probably" — The chain's first U.S. store, slated for the Natick Mall, is inching toward opening after repeated delays, Natick Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick)
"'Wintry' Storm To Bring Cold Rain, Harsh Wind To MA This Weekend: See Latest Forecast" — Forecasters expect an unseasonably cold air mass to push temperatures into the 30s across Massachusetts this weekend with gusty winds, per Natick Patch's statewide weather desk. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick)
COMING UP - Saturday, May 30: Deadline to apply for openings on Natick boards and committees, via the town clerk's volunteer portal. - Throughout June: Natick Pride 2026 events organized by Natick Is United.