The water that flows through the Roman Baths is considered unsafe, partly because it passes through the still-functioning original lead pipes. However, the greater danger is now believed to arise from infectious diseases present in the waters. In 1978, a young girl, who was swimming for a local swimming club in the restored Roman Baths, contracted naegleriasis and subsequently died, which led to the closure of the baths. Subsequent tests confirmed that Naegleria fowleri, a deadly pathogen, was present in the water and had caused her death.
@Dr. Loxodonta doesn't surprise me considering the colour of the water! Was it always that green, or has that only occurred after the bath's closure? And why would the gull be attempted to be removed - is it for concern if the bird's health, to prevent spread of said pathogens, to keep droppings out of the water, or something else?
@DaLilFishie, I would image a concern for the bird’s health. In Roman times the roof over the bath would have kept light out, and so stopped the algae from growing.
