Warwick Pond Blue-Green Algae Returns

WARWICK, RI —  Blue-green algae , also called cyanobacteria, is back at Warwick Pond, and state authorities advise people to avoid contact with the water.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with the pond because Blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

Growths of the bacteria cause ponds and lakes to look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. advise people to avoid contact with any bodies of water exhibiting these signs, due to toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.

All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from these waters. Owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water.

People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. 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.