Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps with relevant authorities to help tackle the prevalence of toxic algae that is harmful to dogs in waterways.

Algae grow naturally in water. When their growth conditions are good, such as periods of hot, calm weather - algal blooms can develop. Some algae, notably cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, can produce toxins which can kill, or make ill, pets, wild animals, and livestock. They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. An excess of nutrients (like phosphorus) can increase frequencies and severities of blooms.

Reducing nutrient pollution is a priority for Defra and the Environment Agency. Phosphorus loadings to English rivers from water industry sewage treatment works were reduced between 1995 and 2020 at a cost of £2.1 billion capital, with a further £2.4 billion committed in the 2019 water industry price review for action in 2020 to 2025. Government has set legally binding targets for the reduction of nutrients from wastewater and agriculture in the Environment Act 2021.

The Environment Agency works with landowners and relevant authorities in analysing affected sites, warning the public and restricting access where blue green algae poses a risk to water users.