High Bacteria Levels Close Point Judith Pond To Shellfishing

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Much of Point Judith Pond was closed to shellfishing over the weekend due to high bacteria levels in the water. Anyone who has harvested shellfish in the area over the past week is encouraged to throw it away immediately, as it is not safe to eat.

The Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management issued a join release announcing the closure late Saturday. The closure affects all areas north of a line from the eastern tip of High Point in South Kingstown to Thomas Point on Great Island, as well as north of Horseshoe Point on Great Island to the northern tip of Locke Point in Narragansett. All of Wolcott Cove is included in the closure.

Samples of water collected on Thursday showed higher than safe bacteria levels in the water, likely due to several inches of rain that fell earlier in the week, which is also blamed for numerous beach closures throughout the week.

The closure is in effect until further notice. Anyone who went shellfishing in the area since Tuesday, either commercially or individually, is encouraged to throw everything away, as it is not safe to eat. Eating shellfish harvested from water with high bacteria levels could cause gastroenteritis, resulting in nausea, vomiting, stomachache, headache, diarrhea and fever. The illness is particularly dangerous for the elderly and young children.

The DEM said it will provide an update once more water samples have been collected and tested.