The Environment Agency has provided an update on the green water at an Oxfordshire lake.

Witney Lake, also known as Duck Lake, has developed algae after receiving flood waters from the River Windrush throughout this year.

New photographs show the lake to have changed colour with a blanket of green algae bloom coating the surface of the water.

The Environment Agency is now working in tandem with Witney Town Council in an attempt to find a solution to the issue.

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The lake is owned by Witney Town Council.The lake is owned by Witney Town Council. (Image: Eve Green)

A statement was released by the council on Tuesday warning the public to avoid contact with the water as this type of algae can pose “serious health risks”.

The Environment Agency (EA) has now also commented on the situation with Witney Lake and confirmed it had found no evidence of pollution.

An EA spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers took water samples from Witney Lake earlier this week and have since confirmed the presence of naturally-occurring blue-green algae, caused by warmer temperatures.

“We have given advice to Witney Town Council, which owns the lake, on warning the public and their pets to stay out of the water. We have no evidence of pollution or harm to wildlife.

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“We’ll continue to liaise with the council until the algae disappears.   

“Anyone with new concerns, or who suspects pollution in our waterways, can contact our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

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