| Piddinghoe pond was closed on 23rd August due to the many fish deaths that occurred from a rapid decline in the level of oxygen in the water due to the long heatwave. Oxygenating pumps had been running at the pond for two weeks prior to the fish deaths occuring and an additional aerating pump was lent by the Environment agency as soon as fish started to die. Oxygen levels are measured weekly during the summer months by the Angling Club and are reported to NSSC. Levels of oxygen in the water have now recovered and the EA pump has been removed. For the moment, NSSC and the Angling Club are continuing to run two aerating pumps overnight and will keep this under review.
Following recent reports in the media of sewage discharges at various locations in the country, samples of water were taken from Piddinghoe at the beginning of last week and sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory to be tested for the presence of E.coli and Enterococci. We are pleased to report that there is no evidence of sewage leaks affecting the pond. Results of the water analysis were compared against the EC Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) for inland waters and classified as “Pass Excellent”.
Unfortunately though, there is still evidence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Piddinghoe. Blue-green algae occurs around the world and this summer there have been many reports of it in rivers and lakes around the country.
While the default position of the NSSC Board is that people should not enter the water at Piddinghoe, the Board also recognises that the risk of exposure to blue-green algae toxins is lower for some user groups than for others.
Based upon this information, the NSSC Board makes the following recommendations:
1. Young children and dogs should not be permitted to play in the water or at the water’s edge. Children should not use the paddleboards or old windsurf boards due to the risk of falling into the water.
2. Windsurfers under the age of 18 may only use the pond if their parents/carers come to the pond at the same time to assess conditions and the associated risk.
3. Adult windsurfing is permitted on the condition that the windsurfer judges that their level of competency is sufficient for the prevailing conditions.
4. Dinghy sailing is permitted on the pond provided that the level of competency of those in the dinghy is sufficient for the conditions. Adults are judged to be capable of deciding this for themselves, but the decision for under-18s must be made by their parent/carer.
5. Anyone entering the water (e.g. after a capsize) must shower immediately.
The board ask that anyone experiencing a rash or other condition after being at the pond notifies the NSSC board and seeks medical attention at the earliest opportunity.
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