Toxic algae problems at Loch Leven are getting worse, according to councillor Willie Robertson.
It is becoming more common to find toxic blue/green algae in the water at the beauty spot, he said. The “algal blooms” can make swimmers sick or even kill dogs.
“You don’t need to be an ecological scientist to see that the water conditions in Loch Leven are deteriorating,” he added.
“During almost 12 months of the year the loch is affected by algal blooms, some of which are toxic to humans and animals.”
High levels of the chemical phosphorus in the water cause the problem. This has been linked to fertiliser running from neighbouring fields and to sewage overflows into the loch.
Warming waters due to climate change also make the problem worse.
Environment minister must do more to protect Loch Leven
Councillor Robertson’s wishes are clear – and in their last meeting, Perth and Kinross Council agreed with him.
The Scottish Government should instruct its environment watchdog Sepa to take action.
For Willie, that means a weight limit on the amounts of phosphorous deposited into the water.
“There is currently no limit set,” he explained.
Scottish Water should also be subject to “far tighter controls” to prevent it from depositing untreated sewage into the loch.
He said: “We are very fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and must do whatever we can to keep it that way for future generations.”
Problems at the loch moved back into the spotlight during 2022 with the Lib Dems calling a debate at Holyrood to highlight the issue.
Dave Cuthbert is an Independent councillor in Kinross.
“Loch Leven is a special place,” he said,
But the “powers that be” are treating it like “a normal water course”.
Scottish Government defends Loch Leven efforts
A Scottish Government spokesperson said they take the matter of sewage pollution “very seriously.”
Its officials work with Sepa and Scottish Water to “reduce impacts on the water environment.”
Sepa officials started visiting farms in November in a bid to reduce phosphorous entering the loch.
While “Scottish Water continues to invest heavily in improvements to infrastructure and treatment works to protect and enhance Scotland’s waters.”
Conversation