Fish Consumption Advisory for Lake Quannapowitt

3/18/2025

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to advise against eating fish from Lake Quannapowitt (January 2025 update).

  • English: Do not eat the fish from the lake.
  • Chinese: 不要吃湖里的鱼 Bùyào chī hú lǐ de yú
  • Spanish: No comas el pescado del lago.
  • Korean: 호수에서 잡은 물고기는 먹지 마세요. hosueseo jab-eun mulgogineun meogji maseyo.
  • Vietnamese: Không ăn cá từ hồ.
  • Portuguese: Não coma os peixes do lago.

The following information was announced by the Town of Wakefield on May 28, 2024:

Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Q?

The short answer is no. MA Dept. of Public Health advises:

  • Do not eat Carp
  • Limit other species to 1 meal/6 months

FOLQ recommends people engage only in recreational fishing at Lake Q and do not fish for food consumption.

The full 2024 announcement and very helpful additional information provided by the MA Department of Public Health can be found here.

Why was this advisory issued; what does it mean?

Elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” and DDT, were measured in fish samples. This indicates that the daily consumption of fish from the Lake may pose a potential health concern.

Is recreational fishing at Lake Q safe?

According to the MA Dept. of Public Health, “fishing for recreation is safe in such waterbodies if you don’t eat the fish. Potential exposure to PFAS associated with activities like boating would be much less than exposure from drinking water or eating fish containing PFAS. These recreational activities are considered safe because they would not result in significant exposure over a long period of time, and because very little PFAS are absorbed through the skin.”

Is it safe to swim in Lake Q?

The short answer is no. According to the advisory, “It should be noted that swimming in Lake Quannapowitt is not advised for other reasons, including potential algae blooms. People and pets should rinse off as soon as possible if they accidentally fall into the water.”

Who should I contact for more info?

If you would like more information, the Mass Department of Public Health can be reached at 617-624-5757 or our Wakefield Health Department can be reached at 781-246-6375.

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