Dozens of signs warning of the dangers of blue-green algae poisoning are set to be installed around Windermere, England's largest lake. Approximately 40 notice boards alerting visitors to the potential risks of algal blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and fatal to pets, will be erected at the lake in the Lake District.
Blooms occur naturally but are more frequent during warm, dry weather and are exacerbated by nutrient pollution, such as phosphates from sewage. The Environment Agency (EA) is funding the installation of these signs, with an additional 40 to be placed at other locations across Cumbria.
The Love Windermere Partnership, an organization comprising the EA, Lake District National Park Authority, and United Utilities, stated that the permanent signs are being installed in response to calls for clearer and more consistent public information. The notices will describe what blue-green algae looks like, provide guidance on where to find current information on blooms, and explain how to report suspected sightings using the Bloomin' Algae app. Microscopic organisms that cause these blooms can appear as blue-green paint, scum, or a greenish-brown discoloration on the water's surface.