State health and environmental officials are urging the public to stay away from Upper Melville Pond after confirming a harmful cyanobacteria bloom in the Portsmouth waterbody.
The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the advisory Monday, warning that swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking pose health risks at the pond, also known as Thurston Gray Pond.
Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, occur naturally in water but can form harmful algae blooms under certain environmental conditions. These blooms produce toxins that can harm both humans and animals.
Officials cautioned that the blooms can shift locations within the pond and advised people to exercise caution throughout Upper Melville Pond. Residents should not drink untreated water or consume fish from the affected waterbody, and pet owners should prevent animals from drinking or swimming in the water.
Contact with toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause skin, nose, eye and throat irritation. Ingestion may lead to stomachaches, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Less common symptoms include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage and nervous system damage.
Young children and pets face higher risks because they are more likely to swallow water when near bodies of water, according to health officials. Anyone experiencing symptoms after contact with the pond should consult a health care provider.
If exposure occurs, officials recommend rinsing skin with clean water immediately, showering and washing clothes upon returning home. Pet owners should wash animals with clean water right away and prevent them from licking algae off their fur. Veterinary care should be sought if pets show signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours.
Affected waters may appear bright to dark green with thick algae on the surface, resembling green paint, pea soup or green cottage cheese.
Suspected cyanobacteria blooms can be reported to DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700, option 6. Photographs of suspected blooms are helpful for reporting.
For more information and current advisories, visit the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard.
