A temporary warning notice for East Lake (Trout Lake) Colwick Country Park has been issued.
A spokesperson for the country park said:
‘Recent testing has shown higher levels of Blue Green Algae in the water of the East (Trout) Lake at Colwick Country Park.
‘Swallowing or contact with the water, algal scum or shoreline mats can cause stomach upsets, skin complaints or more serious health effects.
‘As a precautionary measure, we ask that no one enters the water or shoreline areas, including children and dogs, to avoid possible contact with algae at this time.
‘The West Lake is not currently affected by this advice, having lower algae levels present.
‘We are testing both lakes weekly and will provide any updates to this advice as required.’
Some blue-green algae can produce toxins. In high enough concentrations these toxins can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets. They can also be harmful to human health.
Blue-green algae are not algae but a type of bacteria (called cyanobacteria) that are present in our lakes and rivers.
They are very small and can’t be seen with the naked eye. When environmental conditions are just right (they like warm still water with plenty of nutrients), they can multiply quickly forming a “bloom”
Blooms appear as a discolouration of the water (often a pea green colour) or as a visible scum layers or floating mats. Blooms usually occur in the summer and early autumn but can occur at other times of the year, if conditions are right.
There are no quick or easy remedies for the control of blooms once they appear in a lake or pond.
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