The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are advising people to avoid contact with Sachem Pond on Block Island due to a blue-green algae bloom. Blue- green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided, as well as keeping children and pets away from the water.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Ingestion of water containing blue-green algae can cause stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea in humans and pets.
Toxins may remain in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible, so RIDOH and DEM say the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.Other Rhode Island waterways affected include Slack Reservoir and Wenscott Reservoir. DEM asks people to report suspected blue-green algae blooms by contacting the Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or [email protected] and, if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. The water may exhibit bright green coloration at the surface and possibly dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water
