Toxic algae found at Killington Lake (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Toxic algae found at Killington Lake

11:56am Tuesday 19th April 2011 in News By Allan Tunningley

POTENTIALLY dangerous levels of toxic algae have been found in a south Cumbrian lake.

The discovery by the Environment Agency has prompted a safety warning at Killington Lake.

The organism is not usually seen before June, but appears to have been encouraged by the warm spring weather.

The blue-green algae organism can cause illness to people and animals who come into contact with it.

Anyone using lakes, rivers and reservoirs should treat all algal blooms with caution as contact can cause skin rashes and illness may occur if the water is swallowed. Killington Lake is regularly used by water sports enthusiasts.

Farmers and pet owners should also prevent livestock and animals coming into contact or drinking the affected water, as it can sometimes prove fatal for animals.

SLDC's public health manager Tracy Howard, said: “Blue-green algae can potentially make people feel quite ill if swallowed or even by just swimming in it. We just want people to be aware of the affects and are asking people to be extra careful and vigilant when using the lakes and rivers for recreational purposes.

“The warmer temperatures over the last week seem to have encouraged blooms that we wouldn't normally expect at this time of year. The public should observe any notices near affected areas and avoid contact or drinking the water.”

Many waters are vulnerable to problems with blue-green algae, typically between June and November.

An algal bloom caused cancellation of last September's Great North Swim on Windermere.

This year, the event has been brought forward to June to try and avoid the problem.