WARNING signs are being put in place around Bridgwater's Bower Ponds after the water has turned red in places.

Sedgemoor District Council say they have contacted the Environment Agency who believe that it is kind of algal bloom that has occurred due to all the conditions being right for that particular species to grow.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "They are unable to analyse a sample at the moment, to determine if it is harmful or not but it’s important for people to stay away, just in case.

Algae occur naturally in inland waters such as rivers, streams and lakes.

When conditions are ideal for growth (i.e. a period of hot weather) an algal bloom can occur.

During a bloom, the water becomes less clear and may look red, green, blue-green or greenish-brown.

Scums can form during calm weather when several bloom forming species rise to the surface. This can look like paint, mousse or small clumps.

Algal blooms block sunlight from reaching other plants in the water. They also use up oxygen in the water at night which can suffocate fish and other creatures. Oxygen is also used up when the bloom decays.

The blooms usually occur in the summer but there are no quick or easy remedies for the control of algae once they appear in a lake or pond.

The council is urging residents not to swim in the water, or let their dogs swim or drink the water.