BURRILLVILLE – The Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management issued an advisory for a Burrillville lake on Friday, August 26, saying contact with the water should be avoided by humans and animals.
A no-contact advisory was issued for Spring Lake after discovery of toxin-producing blue-green algae or cyanobacteria blooms. The blooms, which give water a greenish color, should be avoided in all bodies of water. Exposure to blue-green algae can lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation, and effects such as nausea, stomach aches, and tingling in fingers and toes, according to health officials.
People should not ingest the water or eat fish from the lake, and should also keep pets away from the lake. Water recreation activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking should be avoided.
The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
In light of the news, town officials announced that the beach is closed for the remainder of the season.
