BLOOMS of blue-green algae were spotted at Millerground Landings for the second time this summer. 

The algae, while naturally occurring, can cause sickness in humans and pets. This includes rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, a fever, and muscle and joint pain. It usually forms in warm, nutrient-rich water, which can be a sign of pollution or a body of water going into a drought. 

However, the Environment Agency (EA) said: "Data for Cumbria shows that we are seeing usual rainfall totals for this time of year. This means that Windermere will not go into drought this week.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and working with the water company to ensure its dry weather plans are up-to-date and that it is following the actions in its plans to protect supplies should the dry weather continue. Our officers are assessing impacts of the drier weather on the environment including finding fish in distress or algal blooms."

The EA advises that you cannot tell if an algal bloom in the sea, a lake or river is toxic just by looking at it, so it is safest to assume it is. Pets and children should be kept away from the water and skin contact with the algae should be avoided. 

READ MORE: 'Disaster' as pollution strikes Cunsey Beck

Water bodies affected by blue-green algae or algal blooms may be green, blue-green, or greenish brown and produce musty, earthy or grassy odours. 

Blooms can cause foaming at the shoreline, and they can be confused with sewage runoff. During a bloom, the water becomes less clear and can slow down plant growth in the water. 

The EA has notified the landowner for Millerground Landings, and advised that warning signs are put in place. 

Last week, the algae was spotted in Windermere, Coniston Water and Killington. 

In June, algae sightings in Windermere included YMCA Lakeside, Millerground, and Cunsey Beck-which then hit national news shortly after because another form of pollution led to the death of hundreds of fish in the water. 

Other parts of the UK will be going into drought this week, with hosepipe bans being rolled out in Sussex, Kent, Pembrokeshire, parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.