Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms At 3 Rhode Island Ponds

CRANSTON, RI — State officials on Tuesday urged residents to avoid three Rhode Island ponds due to blue-green algae blooms.

The toxic blooms were discovered at Spectacle Pond in Cranston, Mashapaug Pond in Providence, and Little Pond in Warwick, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) said.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals, and toxins were present in recent samples of the ponds, according to the RIDOH officials.

State officials said people shouldn't drink 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, 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.