On the afternoon of August 9th, CPWL officers were notified by the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH) that an advisory has been issued, and DEM/DoH recommends no swimming, boating, or fishing on Waterman Lake due to an occurrence of Cyanobacteria.
DEM has told us that one sample was taken from the north side of Pine Ledge Road which tested positive. No other samples were taken. CPWL Officers and members of the Dam Committee have checked the entire lake, and have not seen any sign of Cyanobacteria, but there has been an advisory issued nonetheless.
After our experience last year with Cyanobacteria, we devised a plan to be proactive if it should happen again. We already have a permit to spread copper sulfate, a safe chemical that kills cyanobacteria (copper sulfate is added to some city drinking water). In early spring, we entered into an agreement with a contractor to provide and spread copper sulfate if needed. We expect the treatment to happen next week. The dam committee is currently working on how big an area to treat, as the cost is proportional to the size of the area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (based on last year):
Q. Is it illegal to swim, boat, or fish?
A. It is not illegal, it is advisory from RI DEM and DoH.
Q. Is it safe to swim, boat, or fish?
A. It is not safe to swim in a cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. Cyanobacteria appears as a blue-green algae.
Q. If I don’t see any cyanobacteria, is it safe to interact with the water?
A. That is your choice… but remember there is an advisory in effect.
Q. When will the advisory be lifted?
A. Last year the advisory was lifted after two negative tests one week apart. We believe the rule is still the same, but we are not sure at the moment.
If you have additional questions, please email cpwl@cpwl.org, and we will do our best to answer them.