As temperatures have hovered in the uncomfortable zone, Basildon Council is working with the Environmental Agency water bailiff and the Fire Service to top up ponds across the borough in a bid to save dying fish.
The summer heat wave is proving too much for them.
Councillor David Harrison, Chairman of the Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee, said: “Oxygen levels are crashing in the ponds due to the heat wave.
“It could get a lot worse but we’re working hard to keep the water levels topped up, and we’ll try and keep as many fish alive in the local ponds as we can.”
On Tuesday, council officers transferred 15,000 litres of water from Gloucester Park to ponds in Markhams Chase, and more is planed if the heatwave continues. Officers have been removing dead fish and transferring some of the remaining fish to the second pond in Markhams Chase in conjunction with advice from the environment agency.
Staff will be constantly monitoring the situation over the coming weeks.
