*News* You may have recently spotted how cloudy the upper pond at Carshalton has been. Why does it look like this? Let’s investigate.
This is likely something called ‘Algal Bloom’ and could be toxic.
With the spells of very hot weather, and little water movement, the algae builds up.
According to the government Environment Agency website:
“In freshwaters, particularly lakes, blue green algae (cyanobacteria) have the potential to be harmful by forming blooms and scums which can be highly toxic to humans and animals. Blooms can discolour the water varying between blue-green, green or greenish brown, they can also look like flakes of green sawdust, or brownish pinheads.”
“Contact with blue-green algal blooms should be avoided as they can be toxic and can lead to a variety of symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.”
However, by the time the water reaches the lower pond and the Grove, the colour has dissipated – and the ponds aren’t of course used for bathing.
Edit: This issue is unlikely to be related to Beddington Sewage Works, as potential discharge usually only happens after prolonged heavy rain. More on that another time.
This is a developing story and may be updated as new information comes to light. If you have something to add, it’s most useful to add it to the comment section below this post.
