27/10/2008

: Health hazard at Brent reservoir

According to British Waterways London, potentially toxic Blue-green algae (BGA) have been found in the Welsh Harp Reservoir reservoir/waterway length in sufficient numbers to pose a potential health risk. 

The toxins that can be produced can affect humans, pets and livestock.  You should avoid all contact with water that has a BGA scum on its surface, and also avoid very green water.

Immersion sports such as paddling, windsurfing, diving, swimming, water-skiing and canoeing carry a higher risk to human health and these should not be practiced where there is a scum or green water present. Such conditions can come and go quickly, which means that British Waterways cannot guarantee the suitability of the water for these activities.  Therefore it is your responsibility to check for scum or green water prior to any immersion activity.

Do not allow pets or livestock to swim in or drink the water.  We recommend that you keep dogs on leads.

If you do come into contact with BGA affected water, remove contaminated clothing and wash all exposed skin in clean water as soon as possible, particularly before eating or drinking.