Algae warnings issued for several ponds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island residents are being warned to avoid contact with water from four bodies of water because of the presence of algae blooms.

State health officials said Wednesday that people should not swim, fish or drink from Roger Williams Park Ponds in Providence, J.L. Curran Reservoir in Cranston, Barber Pond in South Kingstown and Pasquiset Pond in Charlestown. Pets should also avoid contact with water from these ponds.

Contact with algae blooms can cause rashes, nose, eye and throat irritations, as well as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

The state routinely samples water from ponds and lakes to detect the presence of algae blooms.