Lake Neagh, Britain’s Largest Lake, Suffers Algal Bloom

Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Britain and Ireland, has experienced a blue-green algae bloom for the third consecutive year, turning its waters murky green and emitting an unpleasant odor. This algal bloom is the result of years of accumulated pollution, with agricultural, industrial, and domestic wastewater discharges all contributing to the contamination. Lough Neagh supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water, and the algal bloom has already caused the collapse of the ecosystem. Europe’s largest eel farm has also temporarily suspended operations due to poor water quality.