Stay Out Of North Providence's Wenscott Reservoir: State

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI — Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence is contaminated with harmful algae, two state agencies warned.

"All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided" at the reservoir, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said in a media release.

"People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies," the release said. "Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water."

Merely touching the infected water can cause "skin rashes, sore throat and irritation of the eyes and nose," according to the release.

"Swallowing water containing HABs can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea," the release said. "More serious, but less common health effects associated with swallowing contaminated water may affect the liver and nervous system, cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or seizures."

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