Blue-green algae warning at Dundee pond
Visitors and pets are urged to avoid contact with the water at Lower Stobsmuir Pond
Visitors to Dundee's Lower Stobsmuir Pond are being urged to avoid contact with the water.
It follows the identification of high levels of blue-green algae in the pond after recent monitoring.
Visitors and their pets are being urged to avoid contact with the water until the all clear from the algae is given.
Blue-green algae is a common seasonal occurrence with waters affected by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges most at risk of the algae developing.
It can multiply during the summer months and discolour the water which appears green, blue-green or a greenish-brown. Occasionally, the algae will clump together and form a scum on the surface.
Contact can cause skin rashes, with more serious health effects including stomach upsets, eye irritations and pain in muscles and joints. Symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases can be severe.
Anyone who comes in contact with the water and experiences health problems is urged to contact their GP or NHS 24.
Pet owners are urged to keep an eye on their animals with the algae posing a significant risk to small animals like dogs. It's as the animals tend to drink more water in the summer heat and could eat shoreline algal crusts.
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