The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management are advising people to avoid all contact with Almy Pond in Newport because of a harmful algae bloom.
The agencies said all recreation at the pond, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk and should be avoided. The bloom is caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which occur naturally in bodies of water but can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. The state health laboratory detected toxins and high cell counts in water samples collected by DEM.
Officials urged caution throughout the pond, since blooms can shift locations. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from the pond, and pet owners should keep animals from drinking or swimming in it. The advisory remains in effect until further notice; the agencies will collect additional samples and lift it once the bloom clears.
Skin contact with affected water can cause rashes, sore throat and irritation of the eyes and nose, while swallowing it can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The agencies said more serious but less common effects can involve the liver and nervous system or cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness or seizures. Young children, pets and people who are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions may face greater risk.
Anyone who comes into contact with a bloom should rinse with clean water right away, then shower and wash their clothes at home. Pets should be washed immediately and kept from licking algae off their fur, and owners should call a veterinarian if a pet shows signs of illness such as tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea within a day. Anyone who feels sick after contact should call a health care provider.
Affected water may show bright to dark green scum along the shoreline with thick algae on the surface, resembling green paint, pea soup or green cottage cheese. Suspected blooms can be reported to DEM’s Office of Water Resources at DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-4700. Current advisories are listed on DEM’s Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard at dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
