Take care at reservoir

Pembrokeshire County Council is urging people to take care if they visit a popular reservoir site in the County.

It follows the discovery of blue-green algae at Llys y Fran.

The Council’s public protection division is advising people not to take part in any activities where immersion in water is likely.

The public are advised to read the warning notice boards put up at the site by Welsh Water if visiting the reservoir.

Natural Resources Wales, which is monitoring the situation, will continue to test the algae until such time that the reservoir can be considered clear of it.

The blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) occurs naturally in inland waters, estuaries and seas and cannot be removed or treated.

It thrives in warm conditions so its presence is likely to come and go depending on the weather conditions. But it is not expected to clear until the weather gets noticeably colder.

The algae produce toxins, which can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headache if swallowed.

Occasionally it can cause more serious illness such as liver and brain damage.

Children are at greater risk than adults of developing problems because of their comparative lower body weight.

Llys y Fran Country Park is open as usual for people to enjoy, however, in order to protect public health, the restrictive advice has been issued regarding the reservoir.

The advice to members of the public is:

• DON’T swim in the reservoir
• DON’T swallow the reservoir water
• AVOID contact with the algae
• DON’T eat fish caught in the reservoir
• DON’T allow pets or livestock to come into contact with the reservoir water as it has the potential to be fatal to animals
• ABIDE by notices positioned at the reservoir

Further information on blue-green algae is available from:

• Natural Resources Wales (Environmental Monitoring) – 0800 807060
• Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Department – 01437 764551 (out of hours 0845 601552)
• Pembrokeshire County Council’s Contact Centre – 01437 764551