If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’re probably aware of the toxic blue-green algae warnings that have been making the headlines in the southern states. Now warnings have been issued for seven ponds and lakes in Rhode Island. Read on to learn which bodies of water to steer clear of and what to watch out for during the tail end of summer.
The headlines have been ablaze recently with the heart-wrenching news of dogs dying after swimming in water infected with toxic blue-green algae. So far, canine fatalities have been reported in South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. But there could be even more unreported cases out there.
Toxic algae often looks like foam or scum floating on the surface of the water. It can be blue, green, brown, or even red in color. And it often has a distinct odor which animals find attractive.
Early this week, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management issued warnings to steer clear of seven bodies of water due to blue-green algae. Almy Pond on Newport, Sisson Pond in Portsmouth, JL Curran Reservoir in Cranston and Mashapaug Pond in Providence were on the list.
Also on the list are Pleasure Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Elm Lake all found in Roger Williams Park. Because blue-green algae can be harmful to both humans and animals, you should avoid swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing at these locations.
Symptoms from contact with contaminated water can include rashes, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. For pets, the symptoms can be worse especially if they drink the water. Dogs that have ingested the water may have diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, and seizures and will need immediate medical attention.
Although Sisson Pond is under warning for blue-green algae, the water that it supplies for Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth is reportedly safe. Officials state that the water treatment systems remove any harmful bacteria and even during blue-green algae blooms, the water is still safe after treatment.
If you see blue-green algae in any other Rhode Island bodies of water not listed above, please take a photo of what you see and report it to the Office of Water Resource at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
