Sunday’s Top of Delaware Triathlon in Newark will be affected by a blue-green algae bloom spotted at the Newark Reservoir.
Acting City Manager Tom Coleman says while the bloom has no direct impact on the City’s drinking water supply, recent lab results indicate the blue-green bloom is at levels where recreational activities in the water must be suspended.
That means swim position of the triathlon is out will and the event will follow a run, bike, run format.
Piranha Sports Founder, CEO and Race Director Neil Semmel says they’re disappointed the triathlon needs to be changed to a duathlon, but the safety and well-being of the participants is of primary concern.
Coleman says unfortunately, there is no easy way to prevent a bloom from occurring, nor predict when one may occur.
Algae blooms occur in warm/still freshwater ponds and lakes and can last for a few days to several months, depending on the weather temperature.
The bloom has no environmental impact on visitors to the reservoir, however pet owners are advised to keep their animals out of the wetlands moat encircling the reservoir, because the algae level could be harmful if ingested.
