RIDOH reopens Exeter lake, recommends closing pond in Smithfield

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management recommended changes to recreational activities at two bodies of water in the state.

RIDOH said that it was recommending reopening Boone Lake in Exeter after it was closed due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Surveys by the department shows the algae is at “acceptably low levels.”

Meanwhile, the departments said members of the public should avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to algae blooms.

RIDOH said that skin contact with blue-green algae can irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and throat, while ingesting the algae can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as well as dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.

Animals suffering from blue-green algae poisoning can suffer symptoms including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness.

Any person or pet who encounters the contaminated water should wash off their skin with clean water as soon as possible, and then bathe and wash their clothes.

If a person or pet is experiencing symptoms a healthcare provider should be contacted.

More information on blue-green algae can be found here.