Johnson's Pond in Coventry joins list of toxic ponds to avoid

Providence Journal - 9/21/2021

COVENTRY — Issuing a warning not to swim, boat, fish, or even touch the water in Johnson's Pond in Coventry, the Rhode Island Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management have added it to a list of about 14 RI ponds made toxic by algae.

Also known as the Flat River Reservoir, Johnson's Pond has a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom that thickens the water and turns it green. If ingested, the toxins can cause intestinal distress ranging from a tummy ache to liver and nervous system damage.

Pets and other animals should be kept away from the water. As with humans, any water that gets on the skin or in the eyes or throat will irritate the tissue.

For more information, visit www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. To report a pond, email photos and the pond's location to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.