Warning to pet owners as ‘toxic’ algae discovered at beauty spot
People are being warned to stay away from Portishead[1] Lake after a potentially toxic algae was found in the water. North Somerset Council is investigating a bloom of algae at the town’s Lake Grounds and advising people - and their pets - not to enter the water.
The lake, owned and managed by North Somerset Council[2] , is a popular amenity with local people and some clubs use it for sailing training while others use it for model boats. Blooms of poisonous blue green algae[3] have taken over the lake, at the town’s lake grounds, for several years.
The algae is toxic to fish, birds, other animals and humans. A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “Blue green algae[4] is a natural occurrence in inland waters, estuaries and the sea. High temperatures and low levels of rainfall had an impact on the water quality in the lake at Portishead Lake Grounds.
"Low water levels meant low oxygen levels, which allowed algae to bloom as a result of these natural factors.” A new aeration pump was installed at the lake[6] earlier this year as part of the authority’s Great Lakes project.
In addition to the pump the council adds barley straw to the lake each year as well as ensuring a good supply of fresh water[7] to the lake. However the ultrasound device and solar panel installed at the lake as part of measures to combat the algae was vandalised in June - and a replacement part to fix it is still awaited.
The spokesman added: “We have a very active program to minimise the impact of blue green algae in the lake[8]. We installed a new aeration pump earlier this year as part of our £700,000 investment to deliver the 'Great Lakes' project, which also involves work to revitalise the coastal lakes at Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.
"In addition to the pump, we add barley straw to the Portishead[9] every year, and we make sure as much fresh water enters the lake from the springs as possible. Most importantly, we have an ultrasound device which destroys the algae.
“An annual service of the ultrasound device and solar panel in the lake was carried out when the aeration pump[10] was installed in June. "Unfortunately, an essential part of the device was found to have been stolen.
"This is the second time that the machine had been vandalised in six months. We ordered a replacement, which we hope will arrive soon so that we can fix the machine within the next two weeks. In the meantime, the system isn’t operating as it should.”
Tests of the water at the lake ground have also been carried out. The spokesman added: “We visually inspect the lake at Portishead[12] Lake Grounds on a weekly basis to look for any problems.
“We follow this up with more detailed tests if needed. The last laboratory test, carried out four weeks ago, required no further action.
"This week’s visual inspection indicates a potential change to water quality, so we’ve carried out another laboratory test and will have the results next week. As a precaution, we advise that everyone, including pets[13], please stay out of the water for the time being.”
References
- ^ Portishead (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ North Somerset Council (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ algae (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ green algae (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Superfast’ mystery mites crawl up wall of Somerset apartment leaving owner horrified (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ lake (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ water (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ lake (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Portishead (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ pump (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Future of Somerset coastal nature reserve secured (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Portishead (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ pets (www.somersetlive.co.uk)