The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) visited the lake on 09/20.  They found a substantial bloom near Pine Ledge Road.  The “no swimming, boating, fishing” recommendation is still in place.  It is uncertain when the next visit will take place.  Inquires about possible treatments have been made to the RIDOH.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) wants to begin the process of lifting the advisory against swimming, boating, and fishing on Waterman Lake.  The lifting process requires two negative toxin tests one week apart.  If you notice any algae blooms on the lake, please send a picture (and location) to cpwl@cpwl.org, and we will let RIDOH know.

Dear Lake Residents:

On September 5th, the CPWL officers received an email from the RI Department of Health (RIDoH).  The email advised us that they had investigated reports of potentially harmful blue-green algae blooms on Waterman Lake.  Testing the bloom revealed “high cell counts,” indicating toxicity.  The email goes on to say “At this time [the Department of Health] further recommends no swimming, boating, and fishing due to the harmful bloom.”

RI DEM and RI DoH will be issuing a joint press release shortly.  They plan to do follow up testing early next week.  We will let you know more as we learn more.

The RI DEM website (https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/research-monitoring/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae) has more information on blue-green algae which is copied below.  It also has the status of each affected lake in the state.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally found in many freshwater ecosystems. A combination of excess nutrients, sunlight, and high temperatures can lead to a rapid increase in cyanobacteria, called a “bloom.” Blooms of cyanobacteria generally occur in late summer into the early fall when water temperatures are warmest and an abundance of sunlight and nutrients are available. Some species of cyanobacteria can also produce toxins. These toxins are harmful to people and pets. There are no visual properties of a cyanobacteria bloom that indicate the algae are producing toxins. It is only possible to determine if toxins are present with laboratory tests. If a cyanobacteria bloom is observed, it is best to take caution and stay out of the water to avoid any potential exposure to toxins.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) work cooperatively to detect/respond to the presence of cyanobacteria blooms, evaluate the potential risks to the public, and, when necessary, issue health advisories notifying the public of health concerns. The agencies jointly issue health/recreational advisories when conditions indicate a cyanobacteria bloom poses a risk to public health.