Water company 'really sorry' after dog falls ill from toxic algae at Chesterfield reservoir

Dog walkers have claimed toxic algae – which if eaten has the potential to be lethal to dogs – has been seen at Lineacre Reservoirs, at Cutthorpe.

One resident said in an anonymous post on Facebook: "I let my dog drink from the lower reservoir as the water looked normal and at that point there was nothing to suggest otherwise.

MORE: Chesterfield businessman slams 'ludicrous' decision to reopen pubs before his gym

"Only after getting two thirds of the way round the reservoirs did I come across a small sign (that could have been easily missed if I was walking in the opposite direction) saying that blue green algae was present in the reservoirs.”

The resident said the pet was forced to ‘throw up to get it out of her system’ and will be having to go back for blood tests.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry to hear about the issues involving the dog, especially as we’re very aware of the dangers of blue algae at this time of year.

MORE: First look inside Chesterfield pub as it prepares for July 4 reopening

“We have extensive signage at all of our reservoirs, and at Linacre there’s signs on every access point to the site, warning dog walkers to keep their pets out of the water because of the dangers.

“Blue algae is naturally occurring, and forms on open water, especially in hot weather, so we really do ask that everyone keeps themselves, and their pets out of the water at all times to keep safe at all times.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor