Cleaning Radipole Lake

Clean-ups of Radipole Lake have taken place this summer.  

Divers have cleared lots of rubbish, including bikes, trolleys and other junk.

Despite Dorset Council arranging these clean-ups, a naturally occurring bacteria still develops and sadly affects wild birds. There is no risk to human health.

No risk to human health

It is a natural phenomenon caused by slow flowing water, vegetation and hot weather.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Dorset Council is currently organising another clean-up of Radipole Lake and specialists contractors have been called in.

“Regular clean-ups have been carried out over the summer, contractors came last month and removed a lot of rubbish including shopping trolleys and bikes. Clean-ups have also been carried out by DEFRA and the Dorset Waste Partnership.

“It is upsetting to see birds affected, however, the Environment Agency have advised that this incident was caused by a naturally occurring bacteria, not pollution. Public Health England have confirmed that there isn’t a risk to public health.

“Natural phenomenon”

“This is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by hot weather, vegetation in the water, lower water levels and the slow-flowing river. Every year things improve when the weather cools. Dorset Council will continue to organise clean-ups and we are also looking at longer term solutions including using booms to block off areas. Any actions we take will require Natural England and Environment Agency approval.”

The situation will improve as soon as the weather cools.