Toxic algae found in Mere
Toxic levels of blue green algae have been discovered in Diss Mere.
Potentially fatal to animals and causing illness to humans, the algae looks likely to become an ongoing problem.
Diss town clerk Deborah Sarson said: "A member of the public alerted the Environment Agency to the problem last Friday.
"Samples taken from the Mere have shown the algae to be toxic and the council are working by and following advice received from the Environment Agency and South Norfolk Council."
The algae has always existed in the water, as it occurs naturally in still and calm waters with high nutrient levels.
Although usually beneficial to the water in low levels, a change in the water condition causes the algae to form blooms and become toxic.
Mrs Sarson explained: "There are several conditions that can affect the algae such as the temperature, oxygen levels, movement and nutrients."
The feeding of bread to ducks has been banned indefinitely, as the nutrients in the bread could be contributing to the problem.
"South Norfolk Council's environment office has told us the bread could be a contributing factor to the high nutrient levels," said Mrs Sarson.
The Mere's fountain has been turned off as the Environment Agency alerted Diss Town Council to the fact that the fountain could be spreading algae spores through the air.
The algae problem looks likely to become a recurring one, as the Mere's high nutrient levels are ideal for toxic algae blooms.
"For the moment we are monitoring water colour and scum levels," said Mrs Sarson.
The Mere is regularly used by Diss and District Angling Club and they are aware of the poisonous water.
However, its competitions in the Mere have gone ahead despite this.
The angling club's Andrew Mears said: "We've been in contact with the council about the problem. We had a successful match on Tuesday and the fish are still feeding well," he said.
"It hasn't affected the fishing and even pleasure anglers are still catching fish."
The toxic algae has dispersed naturally but the risk to animals and humans still remains in likely future outbreaks.
The blue green algae has caused worldwide deaths to domestic dogs and wild animals, and rashes to the human skin as it is an irritant.
If swallowed by a human, it can cause a nasty sickness, although not fatal.
Mrs Sarson added: "There will inevitably always be knock-on effects with an issue like this, but we have to put the health and safety of the public first."
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
