The public are being advised to avoid contact with lake water at Muckross, Kesh following the discovery of high concentrations of blue-green algae which could cause “stomach upsets or severe illness to humans and death to animals”.

A suspected algal bloom has occurred in the area which has resulted in a number of jetties at Muckross having to be closed to discourage people from using the water.

A warning sign reads: “Contact with the water or the blue-green algae can also cause skin problems. We advise that adults, children and animals avoid contact with the algae and the water close to it.”

One local resident who had brought her grandson to Muckross on Wednesday for a swim in the lake was horrified by the unexpected condition of the water.

“It’s totally disgusting,” she told The Impartial Reporter during her visit to the popular beauty spot on Wednesday afternoon.

“I have my little grandson down and he can’t even get into the water – he has to throw stones in instead.

“I was down about six weeks ago and there was some [algae] here, but not as bad as it is today. It’s just the whole way across,” she said.

This newspaper also spoke to Sean Conway, head coach at Fear the Turtle Triathlon Coaching Community, about how the poor water quality and algal bloom issue is impacting local open water swimmers.

He said: “For some people, it means that they are having to drive an extra 40-45 minutes to just come to some of the swim meets that we do.

“Usually, for about six weeks of the year, you would see the algae starting to plume, to develop and then spread a little bit,” he said, noting that this is what has happened at Muckross.

He went on to outline what he believes could be causing the algal bloom issue. “Areas where tourists are coming in, you would see a lot of it. The other big thing that would affect it could be [agricultural] effluent that might get washed into the lake.”

Of the possibility of encountering such algae in widespread lakes and water particularly during summer, he continued: “It’s not nice, swimming in it. And it’s not just swimmers, it’s anglers, boat users, everybody is affected by it.”

A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: “The Council reported the suspected algal bloom to Waterways Ireland last week [Friday] and precautionary notices were placed around the jetty area.”

When asked by this newspaper if the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark’s upcoming Open Water Swimming event, which was to be held at Muckross on August 20, was to be rescheduled, the Council spokesperson responded: “Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is aware of the issue and an alternative location for the Open Water Swimming event is being sought.”

The Impartial Reporter also contacted the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs regarding the issue.

A spokesperson from the Department said: “NIEA received a report on August 5 at 1.53pm of green paint having being dumped in Muckross marina, Kesh. An officer was tasked to investigate, and samples were collected for analysis, which confirmed the presence of blue-green algae.

“These algal species are potentially toxic to humans and other mammals, e.g. dogs or livestock and, this being the case, NIEA informed the Environmental Health Department of the local council in order that they could make a decision as to whether access to the waterway should be restricted.”