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Why the Peak District’s ‘blue lagoon’ is too dangerous for a swim
The quarry water is affected by high alkaline pH levels - which makes it dangerous for anyone who decides to risk taking a dip.
The Manc -
3rd June 2021 
Police have issued a fresh warning for people to avoid swimming in a lagoon-like body of water in the Peak District – which has been described as a “bath of bleach”.
Yorkshire Live reports that officers are continuing to “monitor” the bright blue water in Harpur Hill Quarry near Buxton – which attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
The water is apparently affected by high pH levels, which makes it particularly dangerous for anyone who decides to risk taking a dip.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Police stated: “Officers have not received reports of anti-social behaviour around the quarry at Harpur Hill over the bank holiday weekend but continue to monitor the area and work with partnership agencies to help maintain this over a long-term period.
“There are a number of disused quarries across Derbyshire, and throughout the country.
“Many of them are on private land so as well as the risk of trespassing penalties, people swimming in quarry waters put themselves in danger of cold-water shock, getting injured by hidden items beneath the surface or other health issues relating to pollution.
“Please don’t put yourself at risk.”
The water in Harpur Hill Quarry is apparently toxic enough to cause a variety of ailments including ‘skin and eye irritations, stomach problems and fungal infections such as thrush’.
It is also known to contain car parts, animals, excrement and rubbish.
When groups flocked to the location during the first nationwide lockdown, local police dyed the water black to “make the water look less appealing”.
Featured image: Buxton Police SNT
