Notice of temporary suspension of water sports at Fairlop Waters
Published: 13 August 2024
Update 6 September 2024
Following ongoing inspections and lab test results we are now able to reopen the lake to watersports and other activities.
Update 23 August 2024
Following lab test confirmation of blue-green algae in Fairlop Waters, the lake remained closed to protect the health of local people.
Following the Environment Agency (EA) advice and further water sample test results, we are now able to allow very specific water activities to reopen.
This means people will be able to use the pedalos and row boats operating on the lake. Safety measures have been agreed with the operator.
We have made the decision to keep activities that involve more significant or regular contact with the water closed, to protect the safety of local people, again aligning with EA advice. Swimming remains prohibited.
We will continue to monitor the lake.
Algae is present in South Park lake and has been sent for lab testing. It may not be blue-green algae, but South Park and Goodmayes lakes have also been closed as a precaution.
13 August 2024
Throughout the year, we run regular tests on samples of water from our lakes.
Following scheduled testing of water samples from Fairlop Waters today, it became apparent that there may be blue-green algae in the water.
To protect the health of local people, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend water sports in this lake, and samples have been sent for lab testing.
We have instructed Vision, who manage our leisure attractions, to bring everyone in the lake and those using the facilities on the lake, out of the water, as a precaution.
We're asking all local people to take note of the suspension, and keep your family and pets away from the water until we have lab results back and we are confident it is safe.
We apologise to those people whose plans will be inconvenienced by the water sport suspension, but this fast and cautious action on our part had to be taken to protect local people. We will never put the public at risk and local people's health is our number one priority.
