Blue-Green Algae Advisory Lifted For Portsmouth's Melville Ponds

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The blue-green algae advisory was lifted for Portsmouth's Upper and Lower Melville Ponds, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced Wednesday.

The advisory has been in place since July, when the dangerous algae bloom was first discovered. A recent survey of the area showed no signs of blooms in the water, the department said.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, produce toxins that can be harmful to both people and pets. Contact can cause skin, nose, eyes or throat irritation, while ingesting affected water can cause stomachache, nausea or diarrhea. Young children and pets are at the most risk of getting sick. While the algae are generally less active in cold temperatures, blooms can persist, even in iced-over bodies of water.

While the Department of Environmental Management has ended water monitoring for the year, Rhode Islanders are still encouraged to avoid water that is bright green or has dense, floating scum on its surface.