People in Exeter have been reassured about an algal bloom spotted in the flood relief channel in the city.
It follows reports from members of the public walking beside the channel.
The City Council passed the reports on to the Environment Agency who then collected samples from the bloom in the channel.
However, when analysed the samples showed that the bloom was dominated by the green algae Hydrdictyon, which forms net-like colonies, and not the potentially harmful blue-green algae.
The Environment Agency said that with all algal blooms during hot weather, people may see fish in distress if dissolved oxygen levels fluctuate significantly.
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, said that it was reassuring to know that the bloom reported was not harmful.
“It’s not possible to tell whether an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so the best advice is to stay clear and keep children and pets away from the water and avoid skin contact.”
The Environment Agency encourages members of the public to report sightings of algae blooms via a 24-hour hotline. Call 0800 80 70 60.
For more information on algae blooms visit the Environment Agency
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