Photo: Edwin Peeters
According to Edwin Peeters and Miquel Lurling of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management (AEW), the growth of the algae suggests an excess of fertilizer chemicals in the pond. The cold spring may have played a role in this, as it caused a delay in the growth of aquatic plants which normally compete with the algae for nutrients. The building of the wooden decking on the banks might have contributed too. Blue-green algae can give off toxins which are harmful to humans and animals. Paddling is therefore not advisable at the moment.