We've had a Blue-Green Algae problem for the second year running at Chorlton WP, since the third week in August and have had to post notices all over the place to advise public and their dogs to avoid contact with the water. This has meant we've being closed for all water based recreation i.e. fishing and canoeing and it has also delayed any work at the waters edge, as I believe it could give you a serious case of the ****s !. Despite the trash reported in local rags it, I understand, is not harmful to fish and birds. I take water samples to the EA ( Environment Agency ) every week and they require two clean samples in a row to give the all clear to re-open. Last weeks sample was clear, so if todays is ok we re-open tomorrow and the local kids can have their last canoe session. Last years case lasted two months and that was the first case since 1991, again around the same time period.
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There`s notices up all around Wigan Flashes warning of this algae, with Scotman`s Flash being particularly affected - it doesn`t seem to bother the large numbers of waterfowl though. Re the beauty enhancing qualities of it............ I`m not sure..........though that could explain the young blonde swimming naked in it the other day ! (NOT)
A visit this morning to Piethorne noted that the bloom of blue-green algae appears to be going from strength to strength in the warm, dry weather. Was a little concerned to see some juvenile Tufted Ducks foraging and a Kingfisher diving in heavily discoloured waters. I wondered would this affect them?
Also, did a quick web search when I got home and in amongst all the scary, scientific stuff were other links suggesting that a form of blue-green algae is now regarded as a "miracle superfood" and is "used by film stars and top tri- atheletes". Must give up the junk food for a diet of blue-green algae food supplements, if I really want to get those film star looks! Also noticed that you could now buy a blue-green algae toothpaste - although whether this made your teeth "whiter than white" or you ended up with a set of blue-green gnashers wasn't quite clear!!
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