The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have extended their advisory for Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence following the confirmation of a cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are naturally found in water bodies but can develop into harmful algae blooms (HABs) under certain environmental conditions.
RIDOH and DEM have recommended that people avoid swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking in Wenscott Reservoir due to health risks. The agencies noted that HABs may produce toxins harmful to both humans and animals. “Swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and should be avoided at this location. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals,” the advisory stated.
Residents are urged to use caution throughout Wenscott Reservoir, as HABs can shift locations within ponds and lakes. Authorities advise against drinking untreated water or eating fish from affected areas. Pet owners are also cautioned not to let their animals drink from or swim in the reservoir.
Contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria may result in skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation. Ingesting contaminated water could cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are particularly at risk due to the likelihood of ingesting water during recreational activities.
The advisory states: “Contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with cyanobacteria HABs because they are more likely to ingest water when they are in or around bodies of water. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.”
Guidance for those exposed includes rinsing skin with clean water immediately and showering upon returning home. Exposed pets should be washed right away and not allowed to lick algae from their fur. Veterinary care is recommended if pets show signs of illness such as lethargy or gastrointestinal issues within a day of exposure.
“If you or your pet come into contact with a cyanobacteria HAB:
Rinse your skin with clean water right away.
Shower and wash your clothes when you get home.
If your pet was exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur.
Call a vet if your pet shows signs of illness like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms within a day.
If you feel sick after contact, call a healthcare provider.”
The agencies describe affected waters as appearing bright to dark green with thick floating algae that may resemble green paint or pea soup. “If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water,” the advisory says.
Suspected blooms should be reported to DEM’s Office of Water Resources by phone or email (DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov), ideally with a photograph of the bloom. More information and current advisories are available on the DEM Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard at www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
