State Lifts Johnson’s Pond Blue Green Algae Warning

COVENTRY, RI — State agencies have lifted the Johnson’s Pond blue green algae warning, making contact with water there, including swimming, fishing and boating, OK.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced the harmful algae bloom (HAB) caused by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has cleared. Recent testing shows algae levels are low and no toxins were detected, meeting safety guidelines.

HAB conditions can change quickly, and blooms may affect Johnson’s Pond again, or other areas in Rhode Island. Water with HABs may be bright to dark green with thick, floating algal mats. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, keep people and pets away from it. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

Johnson’s Pond warning lifted: Watch out anyway

Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island, aside from Johnson’s Pond. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.

The blooms have been located in several Rhode Island lakes and ponds so far this summer, as previously reported.

People, animals at risk in toxic waters

People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from Johnson’s Pond or other ponds with blue-green algae. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

What to do if you contact blue-green algae blooms in lakes & ponds

If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen  Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.