A sign warning Canvey Lake visitors to not touch the water has sparked further calls for urgent action as 19 animals have been found dead in the past 19 days. Residents have claimed to be dealing with many of the dead animals themselves, despite the council having collected some and encouraging people to submit reports to them. Concern - Residents claim to be dealing with dead animals themselves. (Image: Martin England)They added: "While the risk to the general public is low, contact with blue-green algae can cause irritation and, in some cases, illness. The town council had previously reminded residents that the lake is not a natural body of water and is intended to collect surface water runoff.