The Environment Agency is warning the public to keep away from the water and water’s edge at The Washlands, Northampton.
Routine water sampling by Environment Agency officers has identified a toxic blue-green algae bloom in the lake. The algae is visible on the water’s surface and could cause serious illness in humans and animals.
The Environment Agency has erected warning signs along the lake to alert the general public and dog walkers are being asked to keep their dogs out of the water.
Blue-green algae produces toxins which can harm, or even kill, farm animals, pets and wild animals, and cause skin-rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain in people.
Environment Agency staff will regularly test water samples from the affected area and warnings will remain in place until the algal count drops to a safe level.
Further information is available from the Environment Agency, telephone the Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or take a look online www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Don’t ignore it, report it – if you spot an environmental incident like Blue-Green Algae or distressed fish ring the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60.
