DEM says to avoid harmful algae in Almy Pond

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management and Health are advising residents to avoid Almy Pond in Newport due to a harmful blue-green algae bloom.

The public should avoid all recreational activities from affected waters, and should not ingest untreated water or eat fish from it.

The DEM said that this algae causes waters to turn green and have dense, floating algal mats on the surface.

People and pets should avoid contact with water that is experiencing a bloom as contact can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Ingesting the water can result in stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and rarer symptoms like fever and nervous system damage.

The DEM said people and animals who have come in contact with blue-green algae should rinse their skin and wash any clothes they were wearing.

The departments added that blooms are caused by increased temperatures and slow-moving water.

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.