Paddlers are highly likely to use waterways which at sometimes of the year are susceptible to potentially harmful Blue Green Algae. Blue Green Algae is just one of a number of algal species that live naturally in inland waters. When conditions are just right – still water, high nutrient input from such sources as fertilizers (phosphate), calm, hot and sunny weather – algae can reproduce rapidly and very quickly out-compete other plant life to dominate the lake causing algal ‘scums’ and blooms. The algae are unsightly and can be toxic to both people and pets.
If you are concerned with any waterways containing blue green algae, please contact the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.