GLOCESTER – The Rhode Island Departments of Health and of Environmental Management lifted the advisory recommendation to avoid recreational activities at Waterman Reservoir this week, stating the harmful algae bloom discovered over the summer has cleared.
Recent testing shows algae levels are low and no toxins were detected, meeting safety guidelines, according to a release from the agencies.
Advisories were also lifted from Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence, and Georgiaville Pond and Slack Reservoir in Smithfield.
“HAB conditions can change quickly, and blooms may affect Wenscott Reservoir, Georgiaville Pond, Slack Reservoir and Waterman Reservoir again, or other areas in Rhode Island,” the release noted. “Water with HABs may be bright to dark green with thick, floating algal mats.”
An advisory at Waterman Reservoir went into effect in August. An advisory issued that same month on Smith and Sayles Reservoir was lifted in October.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally present in bodies of water, but under certain environmental conditions will form harmful algae blooms. Swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking should be avoided at these locations as HABs can produce harmful toxins.
The agencies noted that affected waters may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
“If you see water like this, keep people and pets away from it,” they noted.
Toxins may persist in the water even after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact RIDEM’s Office of Water Resources at (401) 222-4700 ext. 6 or email [email protected]. If possible, RIDEM asks that you 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
