Blue-Green Algae Advisory Lifted At Tiogue Lake In Coventry

COVENTRY, RI — Blue-green algae levels have returned to normal at Tiogue Lake, officials with the Coventry Emergency Management (CEMA) said Friday.

State officials last month urged residents to avoid Tiogue Lake in Coventry due to blue-green algae blooms, but the pond is now safe again for fishing, boating and kayaking, town officials said.

"The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has lifted the high bacteria advisory at Briar Point Beach (Tiogue Lake)," officials with CEMA said. "The action level is 60 MPN/100 ml, and Briar Point Beach results came back at 13.4 MPN/100 ml."

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals, and toxins were present in recent samples at the lake, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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, officials said.

Anyone who comes into contact with the water should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible. Pets who are showing symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms in other bodies of water, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.