Love Your Lakes: FAQs - Page 2

What should I do if I see blue-green algae?

You should call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 and report the sighting immediately. Avoid contact by not entering the water when a bloom is visible. Do not drink or swallow the water and cover any cuts if entering the water. You should also ensure that you don’t allow any of your pets to gain access to the affected water.

Download: Blue-Green Algae Advice for Lake Users

What do blue-green algae do to people and pets?

Blue-green algae are toxic and if swallowed when in the water so swimming through it is not a good idea! According to the Department of Health, the following illnesses have occurred in some people who have swum through or swallowed algal scum: skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, pains in muscles and joints. There have been no reports of long term effects or deaths in humans, but in some cases the illnesses were severe. The toxins are also poisonous to pets and can cause severe illness and death.

Download: Blue-Green Algae Advice for Lake Users

Is it safe to use the lakes at the moment for recreation?

If an algal bloom does occur you will see warning signs along the lakeshore advising you of the problem with recommendations to stay out of the water. Early September 2010, the Great North Swim was cancelled on Windermere due to the blue-green algae because of the health implications. If there is no blue-green algae present the lake is probably safe, but lake users should always cover cuts in open water and never drink the water either.

How has the algae affected wildlife?

The Arctic Charr lives in Windermere and blue-green algae affects them in the following ways.

1. Increased algae eventually die and decompose, robbing Arctic charr habitat of oxygen. 
2. Increased algae eventually die and sediment out on Arctic charr spawning grounds, smothering eggs. 
3. Increased algae tend to shift competitive balances within the fish community away from species such as Arctic charr and towards species such as roach.

I've heard about invasive species in the lake, is this related?

No. But there is a campaign that is tackling this problem and there are lots of small things you can do to help stop the spread. The Cumbria Freshwater Biosecurity website can help you learn more and find out what you can do.

Will switching my washing machine and laundry products cost me more money?

Like any product there is a range of prices to suit everyone. Some of the phosphate-free products may be more expensive, but some major, everyday brands are competitively priced. You can also find supermarket “own brand” products which don’t contain phosphates and these may well be even cheaper. See our list of phosphate-free products for some you can try.

Will switching my products affect the cleaning performance?

No. Phosphates soften the water at help hold dirt out of the clothes and in the water. But because Cumbria is a soft water area there is no need to be using phosphates. Also, phosphate-free and other “eco” products are constantly developing their performance and you get just the same results as using a standard product.

Is this problem only happening in Windermere?

No. Other lakes within the Lake District are suffering similarly (such as Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater) and this problem could occur pretty much anywhere near a lake where people are doing their washing close by. On a national level, Loch Forfar in Scotland and Llyn Padarn in Wales have also suffered from blue-green algae because of phosphates.

But how will the lake closing affect my life?

If you live in the local area you may well be employed or know someone close to you who is employed in tourism (around 18,000 jobs in the area are supported by tourism). If the lakes were to close, fewer tourists may visit the area meaning that your job would be at risk. When a similar case happened in Wales, they saw a 20% reduction in the tourism economy. Even if you are not employed directly in tourism, tourism is the life blood of the area surrounding Windermere and without visitors local amenities and services would suffer and affect the atmosphere and lifestyle available. You may own a tourism related business in the area and the impacts are also clear.

If you are a visitor you would no longer be able to use the lake for recreation. Even if you are not an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys sailing, canoeing or wild swimming; it is likely you enjoy walking beside the lake and maybe even having a paddle on hot summer days. Even these activities would be impacted as the water’s edge would be off limits too.