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BRIEF: Algal blooms create toxins at three ponds in Roger Williams Park and one in Portsmouth

Providence Journal - 7/8/2017

July 08--PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Because of blue-green algae blooms that can produce toxins people are advised to stay away from St. Mary's Pond in Portsmouth and three ponds in Roger Williams Park.

Toxins in Elm Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and the Japanese Gardens in Providence and in St. Mary's Pond in Portsmouth could harm humans and animals. People should avoid contact, keep pets away and rinse with clean water if contact occurs, the R.I. Department of Health and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management cautioned Friday.

Ingesting the untreated water or eating fish from any of the ponds can cause stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, and more rarely dizziness, headache, fever and damage to the liver or nervous system.

Children and animals are at greater risk. A pet that touches toxic water should be rinsed with clean water before it tries to lick itself clean. People should rinse skin and launder clothes in case of contact.

Although St. Mary's Pond supplies drinking water for Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, treatment removes all harmful bacteria.

Avoid and report bright green or thick green water to DEM at (401) 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.

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(c)2017 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.)

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