The Infanta Elena lake turns red due to an algae bloom

Published on May 25, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

The lake of the Infanta Elena Park, in Seville East, has acquired a reddish hue that has caught the attention of residents and visitors. The City Council has explained that this is a natural phenomenon of algae proliferation, with no risk to public health or the environment. Authorities conduct periodic analyses to monitor the evolution of the water.

urban lake with water dyed intense red by algae bloom, municipal technician with white gloves taking water sample with glass jar, floating monitoring buoy with green sensor and submerged cable, ducks swimming near the shore, green trees surrounding the park, midday sunlight reflecting on the reddish surface, surveillance camera on metal pole pointing at the lake, photorealistic engineering visualization, showing sampling and environmental analysis process, sharpness in field equipment details, natural colors contrasting with the red water

The biological process behind the water color change 🌿

The reddish hue is due to the presence of algae from the cyanobacteria or dinoflagellate group, which under conditions of high temperature, low circulation, and available nutrients, generate pigments such as phycocyanin or carotenoids. These microorganisms perform photosynthesis and their proliferation is seasonal. Although they are not toxic in this case, the City Council maintains a monitoring protocol to prevent imbalances in the park's aquatic ecosystem.

The lake goes modern and embraces watermelon sugar 🍉

It seems the lake has decided to change its look for the season, leaving behind the classic green to sport a red that even an Instagram filter couldn't match. The ducks, which once sailed in anonymous waters, now feel like stars of an 80s music video. At least, the City Council assures it's not unicorn blood or a failed experiment by a neighbor with food coloring. Just nature, which sometimes has tacky tastes too.