Toxic Algae Blooms Are Getting Closer to the SouthCoast
Toxic cyanobacterial algae is popping up in ponds closer and closer to the SouthCoast. Here's what you need to know to keep your pets and yourself safe.
Both the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management have issued warnings about ponds near the SouthCoast containing toxic blooms of blue-green algae. As the heat and humidity continues to stick around, the chance of more of these toxic blooms grows.
The blue-green algae is full of cyanobacteria, tiny microorganisms that produce cyanotoxins. Once the algae bloom grows big enough, the entire body of water it is floating in can become toxic and extremely harmful to both people and animals.