RI Health Department Lifts Advisory on Little Compton, Portsmouth and Middletown Ponds and Reservoirs

LITTLE COMPTON, RI — The threat from blue-green algae has subsided enough that the state Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Managemenare lifting the public health advisories.

But they warn people need to be aware the algae bloom can come back at any time.

The advisories were imposed in July, August and September on Mashapaug Pond and the Roger Williams Park ponds in Providence; Melville Pond, Sisson Pond, St. Mary's Pond, and Lawton Valley Reservoir in Portsmouth; Paradise Pond in Middletown; and Watson Reservoir in Little Compton.

Contact with and recreational activities at Mashapaug Pond, the Roger Williams Park ponds, and Melville Pond may now be resumed.

Since Rhode Island law prohibits people and animals from swimming and bathing in ponds that are drinking water sources, those activities are not allowed in Sisson Pond, St. Mary's Pond, Lawton Valley Reservoir, Paradise Pond, and Watson Reservoir, which are owned and operated by Newport Water.

In addition, Newport Water prohibits fishing, swimming, and boating in these reservoirs, as posted.

The treated water that Newport Water distributes to homes continues to be safe to drink.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water in Rhode Island that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water's surface. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

Steps for People Sickened by the Algae

Although blooms are most common in the summer and fall, they can take place at any time of the year.People who experience the symptoms associated with cyanobacteria exposure and who have been swimming or fishing in water, or drinking untreated water from a source with a confirmed or suspected cyanobacteria bloom, should contact their healthcare providers.

Contact with water containing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Ingestion of water containing cyanobacterial toxins can cause stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

People who come into contact with potentially affected waters should rinse their skin and wash their clothes with clean water as soon as possible.

Steps for Pets Sickened by the Algae

People observing pets exhibiting adverse health symptoms after contact with potentially affected waters should contact their veterinarians. Pets who have come in contact with potentially affected waters should not be allowed to lick water off their fur and should be rinsed with clean water as soon as possible.

How to Report Algae Blooms

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700.

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