Customer Care Phone Number

RIDOH and DEM Extend Cyanobacteria Advisory to Willow Lake at Roger Williams Park – Avoid Swimming, Fishing, Boating

PROVIDENCE, RI – October 30, 2026 – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Willow Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence due to harmful algae blooms (HABs).

The advisory was published on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 08:34 AM and extends previous advisories for the park’s ponds.

What is the Advisory?

All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and should be avoided at this location.

This HAB is caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are naturally present in bodies of water. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

DEM also warns: Use caution in all areas of Roger Williams Park Ponds as HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes.

Do Not:

• Drink untreated water
• Eat fish from affected waterbodies
• Allow pets to drink or swim in this water

This advisory remains in effect until further notice. To confirm water is free from toxins and high cell counts, water samples will be collected to lift the advisory when bloom has cleared.

Health Risks – Symptoms to Watch

Skin Contact with HAB water can cause:

• Skin rashes
• Sore throat
• Irritation of eyes and nose

Swallowing water containing HABs can cause:

• Stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
• More serious, but less common: Effects on liver and nervous system, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, seizures

At Greater Risk: Young children, pets, people with certain underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised.

Anyone who experiences symptoms after contact should contact healthcare provider.

What To Do If Exposed?

If you or your pet come into contact with algal bloom:

1. Rinse skin with clean water right away
2. Shower and wash clothes when you get home
3. If pet exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur
4. Call vet if pet shows signs like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea within a day
5. If you feel sick after contact, call healthcare provider

How to Identify Harmful Algae Bloom?

Affected waters may exhibit:

• Bright to dark green scum along shoreline
• Thick algae floating on surface
• May resemble green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese

If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact.

How to Report Suspected Blooms?

• Email: DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov
• Phone: 401-222-4700, Press 3, and select Office of Water Resources
• If possible, send photograph of reported bloom
• Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen – Lists current advisories and data

DEM Contact: 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 – General: 401-222-4700 – After Hours Emergencies: 401-222-3070