Health Dept. Issues Advisory After Algae Bloom Found in Portsmouth

Portsmouth residents and visitors are being asked to stay away from Melville Pond due to algae blooms discovered in the water. 

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management have issued health advisories for J.L. Curran Reservoir in Cranston and Melville Pond in Portsmouth because of these blue-green algae blooms.

The blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, may produce naturally occurring algal toxins. The Health Advisories will remain in place until Nov. 1.

During this time, people should avoid swimming, boating and fishing in Melville Pond. People should also avoid eating fish and allowing pets to enter or drink from the water. 

Algae blooms can be dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface, or they can form under water. They are bright green and often resemble green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after blue-green algae blooms are no longer visible.

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 aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

Other health effects, which are rarer, include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.

Individuals who come into contact with blue-green algae blooms in J.L. Curran Reservoir or Melville Pond should rinse their skin with clean water as soon as possible and wash their clothes. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms listed above after coming into contact with an algae bloom should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets are at greater risk because they are more likely to swim in or drink the contaminated water. If pets come into contact with the water, people are advised to rinse the animal with clean water to prevent them from licking the potential toxins, and to contact their veterinarian if they become ill after swimming in a pond experiencing a cyanobacteria bloom.

HEALTH and DEM have notified Portsmouth and Cranston officials of the algae blooms and are working with the city to ensure that those around the bodies of water are aware of the potential danger posed by the blooms.

For more information about blue-green algae blooms, see http://www.health.ri.gov/healthrisks/harmfulalgaeblooms/index.php.