State health and environmental officials have lifted their recommendation to avoid recreational activities at Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth.
The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the harmful algae bloom at the pond, caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, has cleared.
Recent laboratory results from water testing show algae levels are low and no toxins were detected, meeting safety guidelines, the agencies said.
The agencies advised the public in July to avoid all contact with the pond, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, after a harmful algae bloom was detected.
Officials cautioned that bloom conditions can change quickly. Affected water may show bright to dark green scum along the shoreline, with thick, floating algal mats on the surface, and may resemble green paint, pea soup or green cottage cheese.
People and pets should be kept away from water in that condition, the agencies said. Toxins may persist in the water after a bloom is no longer visible.
Suspected blue-green algae blooms can be reported to DEM’s Office of Water Resources at DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-4700, pressing 3 and selecting the Office of Water Resources. The agencies ask that reports include a photograph if possible.
Current advisories and data are listed on the state’s Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard at dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
