PORTSMOUTH — The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have recommended lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Melville Recreational Area ponds due to blue-green algae.

Recent consecutive visual surveys by DEM at these sites found blue-green algae — also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins — reduced to acceptable levels. 

The findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory, which applies to both the Lower and Upper (now known as Thurston Gray) ponds at Melville, as well as Almy Pond in Newport.

Blue-green algae are generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature in the winter. As the blue-green algae monitoring season ends due to this naturally reduced activity and less recreational contact with waters, DEM is conducting visual surveys to determine if blue-green algae has diminished at all lakes and ponds with active advisories. 

Melville ponds and Almy Pond met the visual threshold this week to lift the advisories. Advisories remain in effect for waters in Roger Williams Park, Wenscott Reservoir, and J.L. Curran Reservoir due to continued visual evidence of blue-green algae.

Regardless of season, the public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating scum. Blue-green algae blooms may also look like green paint or thick pea soup.

For more information and a list of active and historical advisories, visit www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. Send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.