Warning of blue-green algae at Kingdom’s water courses

Fifers are reminded to be on the lookout for blooms of potentially hazardous blue-green algae in the region’s waterways as they do their daily exercise during lockdown.

Blue-green algae – also known as Cyanobacteria – are tiny organisms which develop naturally in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea.

People and animals can be affected as a result of direct contact with water affected by blue-green algae and NHS Fife is advising the public, especially dog owners taking their animals for a local walk during the lockdown, to be alert to the blooms as temperatures rise.

Blue-green algae is a common seasonal occurrence and waters which have been affected by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges are most at risk of developing the algae.

In still waters, the algae can multiply during the summer to such an extent that they discolour the water making it appear green, blue-green or greenish brown.

Shoreline mats of blue-green algae may appear and are usually coloured brown to black.

Sometimes a scum may form on the surface of the water. This scum can appear in different places at different times, but is most commonly found near the shoreline.

However humans or animals which accidentally swallow affected water can suffer from complaints such as skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, or pains in muscles and joints.

These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases, can be severe.

The health board reinforced the message that people must all follow national guidance to stay at home and only leave for essential food, medical care, work, or local exercise.

However, health chiefs acknowledge that Fife has many bodies of water near to residential areas and people are using their exercise time to walk their dogs and enjoy the sunshine.

In a statement, NHS Fife said: “The risk posed by blue-green algae to small animals like dogs is significant over the summer months as they tend to drink more water in the heat and may eat shoreline algal crusts.

“Where applicable, dog owners should prevent their pets from coming into contact with water which could be affected.

“Fish caught in waters affected by blue-green algae should not be eaten and should not be fed to pets.

“Public water supplies are monitored and treated to prevent harmful effects to health due to blue-green algae.”

The Fife water courses which are being monitored for blue-green algal blooms are Stenhouse Reservoir, Cowdenbeath Community Woodland Ponds, Clatto Reservoir, Craigtoun Park Ponds, Tayport Common Pond, Tarvit Pond, Peppermill Dam, Keir Dam, Bellknows Pond, Raith Lake, Beveridge Park, Jamphlars Pond, Glenrothes Park Pond, Coull, Kinghorn Loch, Town Loch, Loch Ore, Loch Gelly, Loch Fitty, Lindores Loch, Black Loch Newburgh, Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, Golden Loch, Kilconquhar Loch, Newton Farm Loch Wormit, Moor Loch, Black Loch nr Dunfermline, Tollie Hill Loch, Otterston Loch, Dunearn Loch, Silverbarton Hill and Camilla Loch.

Where monitoring reveals higher than acceptable levels of algal bloom, warning notices will be posted.

Anyone who finds a loch, pond or river which they suspect is affected by blue-green algae and which is not displaying a warning sign, should contact their local environmental health service.

For further information or to report blue-green algae visit www.fife.gov.uk.