Stay Out Of Brickyard Pond in Barrington, State Agencies Caution

BARRINGTON, RI — Brickyard Pond in Barrington is contaminated with harmful algae blooms, two Rhode Island agencies warned.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management both advised avoiding contact with the pond.

"All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location," the departments said in Friday's advisory.

The blooms are caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are naturally present in bodies of water, according to a media release release, and "can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals."

"People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies," the release said, noting pet owners should keep their animals away from the water as well.

"Skin contact with water containing (the algae blooms) can cause symptoms such as skin rashes, sore throat and irritation of the eyes and nose," according to the release, and swallowing infected water "can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea."

"More serious, but less common health effects associated with swallowing contaminated water may affect the liver and nervous system, cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or seizures," the release said.

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