A DANGEROUS form of algae has been found in four different Lake District locations, according to an Environment Agency study.

Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Killington Reservoir have all tested positive for the Blue Green Algae (cyanobacteria), posing a risk to the health of people and animals.

The EA has explained that the increase in Blue Green Algae across the usually damp Lake District is just one consequence of the prolonged dry spell and lack of rainfall.

Jim Ratcliffe from the Environment Agency said: “Blue Green Algae is a completely natural summertime occurrence, however it can be toxic and as such, users of these lakes must remain cautious. As well as having a negative effect on the appearance, quality and use of the water, it can also move around – you could see it one day, but it may have moved the next.

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“We rely on members of the public to report suspected appearances of Blue Green Algae to our Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Once a report comes in we will send our samplers to test it and if confirmed, will contact landowners such as local authorities encouraging them to display warnings to notify the public of the health risks.

“We will then continue to take samples of affected lakes throughout the summer on a weekly or monthly basis.”

Some types of algae, for example Blue Green Algae, form blooms and scum which can result in the production of toxins. These toxin producing blooms are called Harmful Algal Blooms.

These toxins can be harmful to wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets. In humans, they have been known to cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

Water bodies affected by Blue Green Algae, or algal blooms, may appear to be green, blue-green or greenish brown and can produce musty, earthy or grassy odours.

Blooms can also cause foaming on the shoreline, which can sometimes be confused with sewage pollution. During a bloom, the water becomes less clear, blocking sunlight and stopping plants in the water from growing.

With sampling taking place on a weekly and monthly basis, a number of other locations have also been tested for the harmful algae, but so far have come back negative.

Meanwhile, United Utilities submitted drought applications on Thursday to request permission to increase the amount of water it extracts from three water sources in Cumbria – Ullswater, Windermere and Ennerdale Water.

The company cites the warning of a severe water shortage as the reason for making these applications.

These powers are necessary due to an exceptional shortage of rainfall which has resulted in very low storage levels in Ennerdale Water and a threat of a serious deficiency to public water supplies.

Water companies can make drought applications if there’s an exceptional shortage of rainfall and public water supplies are at risk.