The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Flat River Reservoir (also known as Johnson's Pond) in Coventry. The advisory related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive surveys by DEM and sample analysis conducted by RIDOH's State Health Laboratories confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxins are not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Johnson's Pond again, as well as other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water's surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.