Pond warning issued after blue-green outbreak

People visiting a pond in Surrey have been urged not to enter the water after an outbreak of blue-green algae.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) has warned swimmers off Frensham Great Pond until further notice after an outbreak was detected for the third year running.

The council issued similar warnings about the pond, situated between Farnham and Hindhead, in both July 2023 and 2024.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency (EA) said one if its officers had visited the pond to take samples and the results confirmed its presence.

While a natural component of a freshwater ecosystem, blue-green algae is a toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can be dangerous for wild animals, farm livestock and pets.

In humans it can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, rashes, blistering, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea through skin or eye contact, or if swallowed.

It is more likely to appear after periods of warm weather followed by heavy rain and then further warm conditions.

There is no way of removing the algae from the water once it is established, WBC said.

The suspected blue-green algae this year is only starting to bloom and is not so clearly visible at present.

The EA spokesperson said it would "continue to monitor the situation and advise the local authority".

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