SMITHFIELD, RI — Smithfield's Georgiaville Pond 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."
Swallowing 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."
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