Is Harold E Watson Reservoir safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Harold E Watson Reservoir in Newport County, Rhode Island is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 101,865 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 2.4 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Harold E Watson Reservoir is a reservoir in Newport County, Rhode Island covering about 0.6 sq mi, the 8th-largest of the 12 lakes SwimZone monitors in Rhode Island. Satellite imagery measured 101,865 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common from midsummer into early fall, when the water is warm, calm, and rich in nutrients from runoff. They can produce toxins that make people sick and can be rapidly fatal to dogs, so skip water that looks green, scummy, or like spilled paint, and keep children and pets out of it.

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Harold E Watson Reservoir has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 2,060,359 cells/mL in September 2023.

Is it safe to swim in Harold E Watson Reservoir right now?

Harold E Watson Reservoir is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 101,865 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Conditions can change quickly with wind, heat, and rain, so check the posted signs and look at the water before you get in.

Does Harold E Watson Reservoir have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 101,865 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Harold E Watson Reservoir on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory level. Avoid swimming and keep children and pets out of the water.

Can dogs swim in Harold E Watson Reservoir?

No. Blue-green algae at Harold E Watson Reservoir is above the safe-contact threshold (101,865 cells/mL on July 19, 2026). Cyanobacteria toxins can be rapidly fatal to dogs, which swallow it while swimming and lick it from their fur. Keep dogs out of the water and away from any scum along the shore.

How often does Harold E Watson Reservoir have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Harold E Watson Reservoir has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 2,060,359 cells/mL in September 2023.

How many Rhode Island lakes and beaches are unsafe for swimming today?

Today, 1 Rhode Island water is above a safe-contact threshold and 43 more warrant caution, out of 94 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Harold E Watson Reservoir's water quality measured?

SwimZone builds this read from EPA CyAN satellite imagery for blue-green algae, official beach and fecal-bacteria advisories where a program monitors Harold E Watson Reservoir, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.