GLOCESTER – The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Coomer Lake in Glocester. The advisory was related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.
According to a release on the decision, recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed that blue-green algae has been present in the Glocester lake, but at acceptably low levels, and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations.
“These findings meet the advisory guidelines,” the release noted.
The lake, which is home to Marion Irons Beach where the Glocester Recreation Department normally hosts a swim program, has been closed since the advisory was first issued in mid-June.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
The state agencies note that it is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or [email protected] and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and current advisories, consult RIDEM’s website: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen
