RIDOH recommends avoiding several bodies of water due to algae blooms

Gino DeAngelis,

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management recommend avoiding contact with four bodies of water in the state due to confirmed blue-green algae blooms.

The following waterbodies were part of the recommendation:

  • Smith and Sayles Reservoir in Glocester
  • Wilson Reservoir in Burrillville
  • A section of Waterman Lake (Russell Road Beach) in Glocester
  • A section of Wenscott Reservoir (western basin, south of Douglas Avenue) in North Providence/Smithfield

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 comes in contact with 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.

Categories: News, Rhode Island

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