The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have announced that the advisory against recreational activities at Blackamore Pond in Cranston and Mashapaug Pond in Providence has been lifted. The decision comes after recent tests showed that levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are now low and no toxins were detected, which meets established safety guidelines.
Officials note that harmful algae bloom (HAB) conditions can change quickly. Blooms may return to Blackamore and Mashapaug Ponds or appear in other water bodies across Rhode Island. Water affected by HABs often appears bright to dark green with thick floating mats, resembling green paint, pea soup, or cottage cheese. Residents are advised to keep people and pets away from any water that looks like this because toxins can remain even after a visible bloom disappears.
RIDOH and DEM encourage the public to report suspected blue-green algae blooms to DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 (Press 6) or via email at DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov. If possible, reports should include a photograph of the suspected bloom. Additional information about current advisories is available on the Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard at www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
“The harmful algae bloom (HAB) caused by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has cleared. Recent testing shows algae levels are low and no toxins were detected, meeting safety guidelines.”
