Blue-Green Algae Cleared From Smithfield Pond

SMITHFIELD, RI — A Smithfield pond has been declared safe for boating and other recreational activities. It was closed on July 10 due to a blue-green algae bloom in the water.

On Friday, the Rhode Island Department of Health said that the algae is still present in the pond, but in safe levels and the dangerous cyanotoxin is not detectable.

Algae blooms can form quickly, the department said, and another is possible in Georgiaville pond or other Rhode Island ponds before the end of the summer. If you see an algae bloom in the water, call the Department of Environmental Management's Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 or email DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov. Algae blooms look like green paint or thick pea soup floating on top of the water.