Blue Green Algae Bloom Found in J.L. Curran Reservoir

People are being advised to avoid J.L. Curran Reservoir — also known as Spring Lake Reservoir — due to a blue-green algae bloom.

The state Department of Health is advising people to avoid recreational activities at the reservoir after water sample taken by DEM showed the presence of the algae in the water and “toxin levels that exceed HEALTH and DEM recreational advisory criteria,” the health department said in a release.

The water sample was collected at the state boat ramp on the western side of the reservoir off Seven Mile Road.

The entire surface of the reservoir shows evidence of the bloom and it’s likely the advisory will remain in effect through the end of the year, the health department said.

The toxic algae makes the water hazardous to humans and recreational activities like boating or fishing in those areas should be avoided.

Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins. Do not allow pets to drink the water or swim in it, the health department advises.

The toxins can cause harm to humans and animals. Skin rashes and irritation of the nose, eyes, and/or throat are common side effects that result from skin contact with water containing algal toxins. If water containing algal toxins is ingested, health effects include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Young children and pets are more at risk to algal toxins than adults, since they are more likely to drink contaminated water.

Other health effects, which are rarer, include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. People who have been drinking from, swimming, or fishing in these areas and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Those who come into contact with the water should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible, and wash their clothes. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

Warm temperatures and sunshine produce conditions favorable to algae growth. DEM warns that blue-green algae blooms may be evident in other freshwater lakes and ponds in the state. People are advised to avoid contact with waters that exhibit the following conditions: 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.

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact Brian Zalewsky in DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 ext. 7145 or by e-mail at brian.zalewsky@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.