The North and South Watuppa Ponds are closed to swimmers until further notice due to the presence of Cyanobacteria Bloom that the state deems dangers to humans and pets. FRC Media News spoke with Fall River’s Administrator of Public Utilities Director Terry Sullivan today to get the update. Sullivan said the algae problem in the specified areas, which includes Dave’s Beach, has been ongoing for the past thirty years during July and August, so the warning does not come as a surprise.
Sullivan says boating is allowed, but swimming is not due to the “pea soup” conditions of the water and the possibly harmful algae that exists. Since there is no standardized testing to confirm whether ingesting the water would be harmful, the state has conducted its own specialized testing, after which the Public Health Advisory Warning was put into effect. The state is informing residents not to swim in, or drink the water, and if boaters come in contact with the algae they should rinse it off.
Sullivan adds that in the last three decades no one has been reported ill because of the ever-present bacteria, but with that said the state does not want to take any chances. FRC Media News will have updates as they become available.
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