I
Ian Cloke
Guest
Thousands of fish perish in lake
Thousands of fish have died in a lake at Powys Council's HQ in Llandrindod Wells following weeks of hot weather, say officials.
High temperatures have encouraged the growth of a blue-green algae which is starving the water of oxygen.
Special pumps are re-oxygenating the lake and the fire service has been supplying fresh water in an attempt to save what is left of its marine life.
Dead fish are being collected in large nets by workers in protective clothing.
The council said blue-green algae, which can be harmful to humans, has formed a scum on top the water.
However, it is not clear what species of fish exist in the lake, but it is thought to include some carp.
A spokesman for the council said: "This is a natural phenomenon that the council has little control over.
"Blue-green algae are natural inhabitants of inland water and during the recent hot and calm weather, they have risen to the surface to form a scum.
"One of the unfortunate side effects of this algae is that is starves the water of oxygen, threatening fish life."
The council said the fire service had been pumping water into the lake and other special pumps were re-oxygenating the lake.
Oxygen levels
"The pumps will be on site for as long as necessary and we will continuously monitor the oxygen levels of the lake to ensure that the pumps are performing adequately," added the council spokesman.
On Sunday, the Environment Agency said fish at risk because of falling water levels had been rescued from the River Teme between Knighton in Powys and Leintwardine in Herefordshire.
The Environment Agency said falling water levels caused by the recent dry weather had left fish stranded.
Thousands of fish have died in a lake at Powys Council's HQ in Llandrindod Wells following weeks of hot weather, say officials.
High temperatures have encouraged the growth of a blue-green algae which is starving the water of oxygen.
Special pumps are re-oxygenating the lake and the fire service has been supplying fresh water in an attempt to save what is left of its marine life.
Dead fish are being collected in large nets by workers in protective clothing.
The council said blue-green algae, which can be harmful to humans, has formed a scum on top the water.
However, it is not clear what species of fish exist in the lake, but it is thought to include some carp.
A spokesman for the council said: "This is a natural phenomenon that the council has little control over.
"Blue-green algae are natural inhabitants of inland water and during the recent hot and calm weather, they have risen to the surface to form a scum.
"One of the unfortunate side effects of this algae is that is starves the water of oxygen, threatening fish life."
The council said the fire service had been pumping water into the lake and other special pumps were re-oxygenating the lake.
Oxygen levels
"The pumps will be on site for as long as necessary and we will continuously monitor the oxygen levels of the lake to ensure that the pumps are performing adequately," added the council spokesman.
On Sunday, the Environment Agency said fish at risk because of falling water levels had been rescued from the River Teme between Knighton in Powys and Leintwardine in Herefordshire.
The Environment Agency said falling water levels caused by the recent dry weather had left fish stranded.