WARNINGS are being issued for people to avoid contact with water in the Upper and Lower Bittell Reservoir due to a potentially toxic algae.

The Canal & River Trust has put warning signs around the affected sites, near Barnt Green, to advise visitors, children, and pets, against entering the water due to a bloom of blue-green algae.

Contact with the algae can be harmful to the skin, causing allergic reactions including itchy eyes, skin irritation and hay fever-like symptoms.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the toxicity of the algae, the trust will be monitoring the algae levels and deciding on the most effective way of dealing with it

Rob Eaton, Canal & River Trust customer operation manager, says: “Bittell Reservoir is a really popular spot. We want people to continue to enjoy the lovely waterside setting, but just be aware that there’s a current outbreak of blue-green algae in the water.

“Blue-green algae is naturally occurring but it can be harmful to your skin.

“We’re asking people to be extra careful and if they or their pets come into contact with the affected water, they should wash all exposed skin with clean water as soon as possible, and particularly before eating or drinking.

“If they are in any doubt about their welfare after contact with algae, they should seek medical advice.

“We’re monitoring the levels of the algae, it will ultimately die off naturally, but we will take measures in the meantime if we feel it was posing issues for fish and other wildlife.”

Blue-green algae occur naturally each summer in many inland freshwaters.

Occasionally, blue-green algae ‘blooms’, colouring the water green, blue-green or greenish brown and sometimes causing paint-like or jelly-like scums.

For more information on the trust, which cares for the reservoirs and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.