Blue-green algae blooms spotted in Lake District lakes

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 10:27 · Archive

Blue-green algae blooms have been spotted in Crummock and Loweswater in the Lake District, posing health risks to people and animals.

Blue-green algae blooms have been spotted in two Lake District lakes following reports from walkers on Sunday, 8 November. Visitors reported green discolouration at Crummock, near the section closest to Buttermere, and said the green hue was visible around all of Loweswater. Both sightings were reported to the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency said the blooms are 'a naturally occurring environmental phenomenon' that can pose risks to both animals and humans. A spokesperson attributed the blooms to 'calm weather following storms in October'. The agency urged the public to report any suspected blooms by calling its 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 so teams can collect and test samples.

Blue-green algae cannot be identified as toxic simply by looking at it, so the public should stay away from any suspected blooms and keep children and pets well clear. Affected water may appear green, blue-green, or greenish-brown, and may have a musty, earthy, or grassy smell. Foaming along the shoreline may also occur and could be mistaken for sewage pollution.

When a report is made, the Environment Agency will collect and analyse a sample to confirm the presence of algae. If confirmed, landowners are notified and must display warning signs to alert the public. Information on current blooms can be found on the Environment Agency's 'See Spot, Snap, and Report Blue-Green Algae' platform or via the UKCEH Bloomin Algae app.

How it is being reported

• Health warning issued as blue-green algae blooms spotted in lakesBlue-green algae blooms, spotted in the Lake District this past weekend, pose a health risk to people and animals, Environment Agency says.Cumberland News · 10 Nov, 10:00
• Health warning issued as blue-green algae blooms spotted in lakesBlue-green algae blooms, spotted in the Lake District this past weekend, pose a health risk to people and animals, Environment Agency says.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Nov, 10:00
• Health warning issued as blue-green algae blooms spotted in lakesBlue-green algae blooms, spotted in the Lake District this past weekend, pose a health risk to people and animals, Environment Agency says.NW Evening Mail · 10 Nov, 10:00
• Health warning issued as blue-green algae blooms spotted in lakesBlue-green algae blooms, spotted in the Lake District this past weekend, pose a health risk to people and animals, Environment Agency says.Whitehaven News · 10 Nov, 10:00

In this story: Lake District · Crummock · Loweswater · Buttermere · Environment Agency

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log