Due to COVID restrictions, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have not been able to carry out any regular water testing of Lochs in Shetland suspected of containing blue-green algae
Blue-green algae can be present in lochs and other water bodies in Shetland, especially in warmer weather. The public are asked to exercise caution where algal blooms can be seen in lochs. Reports have been received to date of blooms in the Loch of Brindister; Kirkhouse Water near Bixter; and in Clickimin Loch, Lerwick.
Dogs and livestock should be kept away from these lochs to prevent any potential health effects. The public are advised not to bathe in any affected waters and fishermen should also exercise caution.
Members of the public are requested to make reports of sightings by contacting the local Environmental Health Team on 01595 745250 or by email at ehadmin@shetland.gov.uk or via Facebook.
Environmental Health will take appropriate practical action and the list of affected lochs will be added to a webpage at:
www.shetland.gov.uk/environmental_health/publichealthalerts.asp
Residents can also report any sightings of blue-green algae using an app developed by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, available at: www.ceh.ac.uk/algal-blooms/bloomin-algae . Further information on the appearance of blue-green algal blooms can also be found on this site.