It's safe to go fishing at Brickyard Pond again.

A few weeks ago, the state issued a stern warning for people and animals to avoid contact with Brickyard Pond in Barrington. Testing had shown high levels of blue-green algae. 

Late last week, officials with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management offered a good news update: “Recent consecutive surveys at Brickyard Pond in Barrington and sample analyses confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels, and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations.”

The initial warning for Brickyard had been issued on Saturday, Sept. 4, and stated that a test showed the number of blue-green algae cells per 100 milliliters of water at Brickyard Pond had exceeded the allowable amount.

“People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from areas near Brickyard Pond,” stated the press release. “All recreation, including swimming, wading, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest the water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the lake. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.”

A state official contacted the town last week to report that two rounds of monitoring at Brickyard Pond had revealed the improved water condition.