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Warwick Pond Toxic Water: Blue-Green Algae Warning

[CREDIT: Lincoln Smith] Lincoln Smith took this photo, one of many, at Warwick Pond Monday.

[CREDIT: EPA] Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, produce toxins that are hazardous to humans and animals. The growths have been reported at Warwick Pond.
[CREDIT: EPA] Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, produce toxins that are hazardous to humans and animals. The growths have been reported locally, making Warwick Pond toxic.
[CREDIT: Lincoln Smith] Lincoln Smith took this photo, one of many, at Warwick Pond one Monday in 2015. State officials warn against contact with Warwick Pond toxic waters, until tests confirm cyanobacteria levels return to safe amounts.
[CREDIT: Lincoln Smith] Lincoln Smith took this photo, one of many, at Warwick Pond one Monday in 2015. State officials warn against contact with Warwick Pond toxic waters, until tests confirm cyanobacteria levels return to safe amounts.
WARWICK, RI — State officials warn Blue-green algae, aka cyanobacteria, is making Warwick Pond toxic, prohibiting all contact with and recreation on or around the pond.

Officials have also reported blue-green algae in Wenscott Reservoir in Providence at Governor Notte Beach, which they also advise people should avoid.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) advise people to avoid contact with Warwick Pond toxic waters and those in Wenscott Reservoir because Blue-green algae can produce toxins harmful to 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.

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.

 People, animals at risk in Warwick Pond toxic waters

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.

What to do if you contact 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.

Beware of unreported blue-green algae blooms 

Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. 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.

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 [email protected].

Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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