Dangerous bacteria has infected the water at one of Dundee’s prime weekend sunspots.
With sunny weather forecast for this weekend and the school holidays approaching, visitors to Clatto Reservoir have been warned to keep children and dogs out of the water after a blue-green algae infestation at the site.
The algae can release toxins that are potentially fatal to dogs if ingested and there is also a risk to children in particular, who can experience severe illness after touching or drinking infected water.
Councillor Ian Borthwick said families should be careful when visiting Clatto.
He said: “We should be making an effort to have this addressed properly. It is an area used by children and walkers and these algae do present a risk. Animals often swim in the reservoir and for them especially it is a risk.
“I accept it may be difficult to resolve, but this can be a disincentive for people coming to enjoy the area.”
The algae has been a recurring problem at the site for several years. Clatto used to welcome more than 95,000 visitors annually and had a thriving watersports scene, but now receives fewer than 35,000 people a year.
Notices warning visitors of the risks have been put up around the reservoir.