The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are advising people to avoid contact with Wilson Reservoir in Burrillville.
The notice is due to high levels of cyano-bacteria causing harmful algae blooms.
Contact with water with the algae can cause skin irritation, stomach aches, diarrhea and nausea.
“Symptoms can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage,” a release stated.
All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is considered high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at the reservoir. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from the water and pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in it.
Pets and children are at higher risk for health effects associated with the algae blooms because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water the agencies explained, urging anyone who has had contact with the reservoir and is experiencing symptoms to contact their health care provider.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or [email protected] and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
For more information and the Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.”.
