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Warning Issued Over Dangerous Algae in Cumbria Lakes
11 Nov
Summary
- Toxic blue-green algae has been spotted in Crummock Water and Loweswater.
- The Environment Agency warns of risks to children and pets.
- People are urged to avoid contact with affected waters and report blooms.
Authorities have issued warnings concerning toxic blue-green algae detected in two Lake District bodies of water, Crummock Water and Loweswater. The algae, identified as cyanobacteria, appeared over the weekend and poses risks to both animals and humans.
The Environment Agency attributes the bloom to calm weather conditions following recent storms. They emphasize that it is unsafe to determine if a bloom is toxic visually, advising the public to assume all blooms are potentially harmful. People are strongly cautioned to keep children and pets away from the water and to avoid any skin contact.
Visitors are encouraged to report any suspected algal blooms to the Environment Agency. This allows for samples to be collected and analyzed to confirm the presence and type of cyanobacteria. The agency also directs people to use the UKCEH Bloomin Algae app for reporting and information on blooms.
