LOCAL BATHING SPOT STILL TOO POLLUTED FOR SWIMMING
The newly-designated spot for safe swimming between Ham and Kingston on the River Thames is still affected by the dangerous algae, The Environment Agency said this afternoon.
A spokesperson told Teddington Town: “Our sampling shows that the blue-green algae bloom persists in the stretch between West Molesey and Teddington, which includes the designated bathing spot at Ham & Kingston.
“We are continuing to take samples weekly across several locations along this stretch.
“Once two weeks of samples show a reduced risk, the advice against swimming will be removed. Until that time, the advice to avoid contact with the water remains.”
Background:
- Information about Blue Green Algae can be found at Algal blooms: advice for the public and landowners – GOV.UK.
- Abstractors downstream have been informed to make sure they are aware of the algae. The UK Health Security Agency have also been notified.
- Two consecutive weeks of samples must show the water to be below the risk threshold for the advice against swimming to be lifted.