RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-Green Algae in Worden Pond

Published on Friday, November 17, 2023

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Worden Pond in South Kingstown. The advisory related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.   

Recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed that blue-green algae is not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet the advisory guidelines and support lifting the advisory.    

Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Worden Pond again, or 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.  

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov