Stay Out Of North Portsmouth's Lower Melville Pond: State

WEST PORTSMOUTH, RI — Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth is contaminated with harmful algae, two state agencies warned.

"All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location," the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said in a media release.

"People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies," the release said. "Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water."

Merely touching the infected water can cause "skin rashes, sore throat and irritation of the eyes and nose," according to the release.

Ingesting water containing the algae "can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea," the release said.

"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," according to the release.

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