Bathing Waters: know the risks

Blue-green algae can produce harmful toxins that pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Under certain conditions, these blooms may cause skin irritation and illness, or be fatal to pets and livestock.

Blue-green algae blooms often appear as green, blue-green, or turquoise scums or mats on the water surface. The water may look cloudy or discoloured, with a strong musty or earthy odour.

If you wish to report a sighting of blue-green algae, you can do so by emailing environment@leitrimcoco.ie or by clicking here to contact the Environment Department.

To ensure your safety, please adhere to the following advice:

Avoid contact: Refrain from swimming, paddling, or engaging in any immersive or semi-immersive water-based activities in areas where blooms are visible or suspected. If you accidentally come into contact with an algae bloom you must shower as soon as possible and wash all affected clothing thoroughly to mitigate the risks.

Pet safety: Do not allow pets or animals to enter or drink from affected waters. Algae toxins can be rapidly harmful or fatal to dogs.

Follow signage: Obey all safety notices and signage issued by Waterways Ireland or the local authority.

Boating access: Jetties and slipways remain open for boat access. However, algae accumulation on surfaces can cause slippery conditions, please take extra care when launching or retrieving vessels.

Drinking water warning: Do not use water from affected areas for drinking, food preparation or washing, even if it has been boiled or filtered.