The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a warning about Brickyard Pond on Saturday, Sept. 4.

State officials report that the pond is experiencing a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom, which poses a direct danger to people and animals. An email from a RI Department of Health official stated that a recent test shows the number of blue-green algae cells per 100 milliliters of water at Brickyard Pond exceeded the allowable amount. 

“From the State Lab analysis that was reported today, results indicated that the number of blue green algae cells per 100 ml was 2,423,840, far exceeding our benchmark of 70,000 cfu/100 ml,” stated the email. 

A short time later, the RI Department of Health issued a press release warning people to avoid the pond. 

“People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from areas near Brickyard Pond,” stated the press release. “All recreation, including swimming, wading, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest the water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the lake. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.”

The press release from the state further explains some of the possible impacts from coming into contact with blue-green algae.

“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 stomach-ache, 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 pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

“If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.”

State officials said people should check the appearance of water before deciding whether to swim, boat or fish there. 

“Please 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,” stated the press release. “Other potentially harmful blooms may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.”

According to an email from the state, someone reported a possible bloom of blue-green algae at Brickyard Pond recently. State officials stopped by the pond and took collected water samples last week. The results were shared with the town on Friday. 

State officials have also asked the town to post signs around the pond warning about the blue-green algae bloom.