State health and environmental officials are advising people to stay out of Lower Melville Pond because of a harmful algae bloom, with all recreation — swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking — considered high risk.
The Department of Environmental Management collected water samples that were tested at the Department of Health’s state laboratories. The advisory remains in effect until further testing shows the bloom has cleared.
Blooms are caused by cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which occur naturally in fresh water but can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. Officials say to use caution across the entire pond, since blooms move around, and not to drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waters. Pets should be kept out of the water entirely.
Skin contact can cause rashes, sore throat and irritation of the eyes and nose. Swallowing the water can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Less commonly, it can affect the liver and nervous system or cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness or seizures. Young children, pets and people who are immunocompromised face greater risk.
Anyone exposed should rinse with clean water immediately, then shower and wash their clothes. Pets should be washed right away and kept from licking algae off their fur; owners should call a veterinarian if a pet becomes tired, stops eating or vomits within a day. Anyone who feels sick after contact should contact a health care provider.
Affected water often shows bright or dark green scum along the shoreline and thick surface algae that can look like green paint, pea soup or cottage cheese.
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 the state’s cyanobacteria dashboard at dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
Separately, the state lifted its advisory at Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield, where a bloom has cleared.
