The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising the public to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth and Carr Pond in North Kingstown due to suspected blue-green algae (or cyanobacterial) blooms.
The blue-green algae bloom was detected in Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth and Carr Pond in North Kingstown, the agency said in a statement. The toxins in the water can make people and pets sick.
“Use caution in all areas of Lower Melville and Carr Ponds,” the statement said. “Cyanobacteria may sink or float to determine their position in the water column. Other factors such as wind, rain and waves from recreational activities may affect the location of an algal bloom. All recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not drink water or eat fish from the ponds. Pets may also be affected by contact with the algal toxins, so owners should not allow their pets to drink or swim in the water. The warning remains in effect until further notice.”
Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning include skin irritation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Young children and pets are especially at risk. If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible. Pets should also be kept clean and monitored for signs of poisoning such as loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained discomfort that occurs within a day or so of contact with the water.
Anyone who comes into contact with a suspected blue-green algae bloom is urged to contact the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or [email protected].
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist in reporting on this article.
