DOG OWNERS have been warned to keep their pets away from Apex Park  lake after a potentially toxic algae was found. 

The algae was discovered to be growing on the surface of the water next to the main car park by Sedgemoor District Council just a few days ago.

Cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, a type of blooming algae, can produce toxins which can kill wild animals, livestock and pets.

They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

 SDC said a sample of the algae has been taken away to be tested but as a precaution they will be putting warning signs in place advising residents to keep their dogs on a leash and not swim, paddle or drink the water. 

A spokesman for SDC said: "It’s a natural annual occurrence and our advice is to keep dogs and humans out of the water."

The algae occurs naturally in waters such as rivers, lakes and streams and can bloom if exposed to warm temperatures. 

During a bloom, the water becomes less clear and may look green, blue-green or greenish-brown.

Scums can form during calm weather when several bloom forming species rise to the surface.

This can look like paint, mousse or small clumps.

Algal blooms block sunlight from reaching other plants in the water.

They also use up oxygen in the water at night which can suffocate fish and other creatures.

Oxygen is also used up when the bloom decays.

The blooms usually occur in the summer but there are no quick or easy remedies for the control of blue-green algae once they appear in a lake or pond.

The spokesman added: "Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic but it is not possible to tell from appearance and so it’s best to assume they are harmful and take the following precautions:

• Do not swim in the water

• Do not let dogs in the water or let them drink it

• Do not swallow the water

• Avoid contact with the algae

• Do not eat fish caught from the water

• Observe and abide by any warning notices positioned around the water