River users urged to stay away from affected river stretch from Tonbridge to Yalding
The Environment Agency is alerting boaters, rivers users, dog walkers and residents following the confirmed presence of blue green algae at several locations along a 12 km stretch of the River Medway from Tonbridge to Yalding in Kent.
These forms of algae can be toxic, causing stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin rashes, though the risk to people is relatively small. Animals such as dogs can become seriously ill and we would urge dog owners to keep their pets out of the water. We are also advising people not to touch any scum at the water’s edge.
Since the algal bloom was confirmed on Tuesday 23 August 2022, the Environment Agency has been warning relevant local Authorities and is urging members of the public to keep themselves and their pets away from the water on this stretch of the River Medway until further notice. Signage is being put up at lock sites along the river to make people aware.
Blue green algae is a naturally occurring environmental phenomenon. Blooms – where the algae multiply significantly in numbers – become more likely during periods of warm, settled, dry weather and can also form after periods of heavy rain.
Signage to warn members of the public and dog walkers has been erected along the riverside at our Navigation locks and sluices. The Environment Agency will be closely monitoring the situation.
Operations Manager at the Environment Agency, Ian Nunn, said: “We are working with Tonbridge & Malling and Maidstone Borough Council to ensure that everyone who enjoys this stretch of the Medway is aware of the issue and that people are kept safe.
“It is very hard to tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so it’s safest to assume it is. People should keep themselves, children and pets away from the affected stretch of river from Tonbridge to Yalding until further notice and avoid skin contact with the water or algae.
“If anyone suspects blue green algae in a watercourse near them, we urge them to report it to our 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60 so that we can inform relevant landowners and ask them to take the necessary steps to warn the public of potential dangers.”
Water bodies affected by blue green algae, or algal blooms may be green, blue green or greenish brown and can produce musty, earthy or grassy odours and may leave a scum on the surface of the water. Blooms can also cause foaming, which can sometimes be confused with sewage pollution.
Advice for the public and landowners can be found on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners/algal-blooms-advice-for-the-public-and-landowners