Warning over Leeds and Liverpool canal toxic algae (From Lancashire Telegraph)

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Warning over Leeds and Liverpool canal toxic algae

4:20pm Wednesday 19th August 2009 in News Photograph of the Author By Nazia Parveen, Reporter

A BLUE-green toxic algae has been discovered in the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Residents are being warned to stay out of the water between Wheelton in Chorley through East Lancashire all the way to Gargrave near Skipton due to an increase in algae in the canal.

British Waterways said direct contact with the algae may cause allergic reactions including itchy eyes, skin irritation and hay fever like symptoms.

It is encouraging canal and towpath users, their children and pets to enjoy the waterways but avoid touching the water.

Cath Ferguson, heritage and environment manager for British Waterways, said: “If members of the public do come into contact with blue-green algae affected water, they should remove all contaminated clothing and wash all exposed skin with clean water as soon as possible, and particularly before eating or drinking.

”Blue-green algae occurs naturally in many inland freshwaters and they occasionally become excessive, resulting in a ‘bloom’ which can colour the water green, blue-green or greenish brown.

Sometimes algal blooms cause paint-like or jelly-like scums.

Visitors to the canal are being asked to remain vigilant as the location and extent of the bloom and any scums may vary with wind, weather and water movements.

Ms Ferguson, added: “If they are in any doubt about their welfare after contact with algae, they should seek medical advice.”

She also urged farmers and pet owners to ensure that their animals did not have access to affected water.

Comments(10)

duke bar says...
5:07pm Wed 19 Aug 09

Thats nothing they used to have dead dogs and cats down barden lane canal years ago.