Algae in the Broomfield Lakes
Your questions answered about Algae in Broomfield Lakes
Response to Cllr Brett to question: “Considerable complaints about the Algae choking off Wildlife in Broomfield Park. When will the lakes be cleaned and the boating pond reinstated?”
Response:
The cause of the algae in the waterbodies in Broomfield Park (the lakes and the new wetlands) is due to high nutrient loading of the inflows into these water bodies. As part of the wetland creation project at Broomfield Park we have been carrying out water quality monitoring of the surface water flows alongside our delivery partner Thames21. It was found that the readings for nitrogen and phosphate were classed as “poor” (according to Water Framework Directive (WFD) values), and at levels which would cause algal blooms. It seems that we are seeing a process known as eutrophication, with algal blooms becoming more pronounced in the summer.
The source of these nutrients in the catchment is likely to be misconnections from the foul network to the surface water in the catchment, this is an issue that Thames Water are aware of in the upstream catchment. A plus point to consider is that the readings for the same nutrients (nitrogen and phosphate) are much lower at the outfall of the wetlands, indicating that they appear to be functioning in respect to reducing nutrient loads. However at the wetlands are downstream of the lakes this does not solve the problem directly (just more generally for the water flowing onwards to Pymmes Brook).
For the lakes to be meaningfully “cleaned” they would need to be desilted. This would carry a high cost and is not a job that I am aware of being programmed at this point.
The boating pond is a slightly separate matter as the inflow has traditionally been through a ground water pump. This pump has been investigated, it is very aged infrastructure and does not appear to be functioning. We have been ruling out the reasons for this one by one. Including blockages on the line, the working of the pump itself and the absence of reliable ground water in the well. Due to a lot of remaining uncertainty regarding this asset and potential spiralling costs we are now exploring other means of providing water input into the boating pond. I believe the cleaning of sediment from the at present dry boating pond is currently in-hand with Parks Operations. @Marcus Harvey should be able to update on this.
davidartwilliamson • August 5, 2020
The Friends of Broomfield Park had a achieved six Enfield in Bloom awards, including two Golds, three Silvers, and a Bronze, as well as a prestigious individual honour.
All ages welcome as Southgate RFC take up residence in Broomfield Park.
Friends of Broomfield Park were delighted to take part in The Big Draw Festival 2026, joining thousands of organisations around the world celebrating the joy, creativity and accessibility of drawing. This year’s theme, “Make a Mark”, invited everyone to explore drawing as a way of seeing, thinking and connecting — not just creating a finished picture. The event was a great success, with lots of people turning up to unleash their creativity and enjoy trying something new. CLICK TO READ MORE AND SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE EVENT
The biggest community event of the year in our area
A new report from the Friends of Broomfield Park volunteer Lakes Team outlines water quality issues, monitoring results, and remedial actions for Broomfield Park’s three lakes, wetlands, and a wildlife pond.
FoBP’s new "Hoverfly Lagoon" family workshop successfully taught children to build micro-habitats.
Calling local musicians, schools, groups & event planners! Help us co-deliver unforgettable live performances to celebrate 100 years of Broomfield Bandstand!
Our beloved bandstand to be given a centenary makeover
Some things we know and others we don't
We want to ensure stories of Broomfield House and park are recorded and shared. Join us as a heritage volunteer to help. No heritage background needed - just curiosity and enthusiasm!
