Town Of South Kingstown: Recreational Advisory Lifted At Worden Pond

Press release from the Town of South Kingstown:

November 20, 2021

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH) and the RhodeIsland Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) recommend lifting the recreationaladvisory at Worden Pond in South Kingstown. The recreational advisoriesrelated to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.

The surveys conducted at the sites found no evidence of acyanobacteria bloom, meeting criteria to lift the advisory. Blue-green algaeare generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature.However, the possibility of blooms and/or toxin persisting after the bloom isgone represent potential risks, even in iced-over conditions. 

Regardless of season, the public is reminded to avoid contactwith any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating scum.Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. 

For more information and a list of historical advisories, visitwww.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. Send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms,along with photographs if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.

This press release was produced by the Town of South Kingstown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.