Algal bloom campaign 'could improve water quality'

One environmental expert has spoken out about how he believes that combating the growth of algal blooms can have a positive impact on lake water quality.

Meic Davies of the Environment Agency Wales said that sewage effluent provides food for algae to form blooms which can release toxins into the water.

His comments follow the launch of a new agency campaign to battle against algal blooms in the Llyn Padarn by reducing the amount of nutrients entering the Snowdonia lake from local washing machines and dishwashers.

“We know that around 25 per cent of nutrients in sewage effluent come from modern detergents which we use in washing machines and dishwashers," stated Mr Davies.

He added that the organisation - whose national policy is set at its head offices in Bristol and London - is enlisting the help of the Llanberis community as the initiative aims to enhance the quality of their environment and help the local economy.

Written by Joseph Hutton