Renewed pond warning issued after algae outbreak

Stagnant green water surrounded by brown mud. Image source, Waverley Borough Council
Image caption,

Similar warnings about Frensham Great Pond and Common have been issued in 2023, 2024 and 2025

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A renewed warning has been issued to people visiting a pond in Surrey not to enter the water after an outbreak of blue-green algae.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) has urged swimmers to avoid entering Frensham Great Pond and Common as it still contained blue-green algae, which it called potentially harmful to humans, animals, birds and fish.

The algae is also "very harmful to dogs", according to the local authority.

Similar warnings about the pond, situated between Farnham and Hindhead, were issued in July 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The council said blue-green algae was a "natural component" of a freshwater ecosystem.

It can "appear suddenly" after periods of warm weather followed by heavy rain and then further warm, still conditions, WBC added.

Signs instructing visitors to avoid contact with the algae have been put up on site until further notice.

"There is no way of removing the algae from the water once it is established", according to the local authority.

Algal blooms can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, rashes, blistering, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea through skin, eye contact or if swallowed, it continued.

People affected by blue-green algae should seek medical advice.

The council added that it was monitoring the situation "closely" and would keep the public updated.

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