Warning signs have been erected at two ponds at the Penrhos Coastal Park Nature Reserve in Holyhead warning members of the public to avoid coming into contact with the water there.
This follows confirmation from Environment Agency Wales to the landowners and Isle of Anglesey County Council that blue-green algae has been identified in the ponds.
The site owners, Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd, has erected signage warning members of the public.
The build up of blue-green algae at the Penrhos Costal Park Nature Reserve , Holyhead, is a natural occurrence which occurs from time to time during warm conditions.
The blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), in this case Scenedesmus, Anabaena sp. Microcystis, occurs naturally in inland waters, estuaries and seas and cannot be removed or treated. The algae produce toxins which can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headache if swallowed. Occasionally it can cause more serious illness such as liver and brain damage. Children are at greater risk than adults of developing problems because of their comparative lower body weight.
Visitors to these water bodies are advised to take the following precautions:
- not to swim in the water
- not to swallow the water
- to avoid contact with the algae
- not to eat fish caught in the water
- not to allow pets or livestock to come into contact with the water
- to observe and abide by notices positioned around the lakes
If you have any health concerns, please contact your GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.
Environment Agency Wales will continue to monitor for the presence of blue green algae at the ponds. To report any further signs of blue green algae call Environment Agency Wales’ 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060.
