Blue-green algae red alert issued across NSW waterways
MonMonday 15
MarMarch 2021 at 12:40am
Water NSW has issued red alerts for Lake Burrinjuck and several other dams and waterways in NSW.
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Large blooms of toxic blue-green algae in the Murray-Darling Basin and Northern Rivers has prompted Water NSW to issue a red alert health warning for river users and livestock.
Key points:
Blue-green algae spreading across several dams and rivers in NSW, has prompted the highest health warning
After years of drought in NSW, a wet summer has washed dead vegetation into inland waterways nutrients and warm sunny days feed the algae
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A red alert level warning for blue-green algae remains in place for Toonumbar Dam as well as Iron Pot Creek immediately downstream of the dam, near Kyogle.
A red alert indicates people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming, as well as domestic uses including showering and washing.
Contact with the water may also pose a threat to livestock and pets.
The warning was issued by Water NSW and Kyogle Council on January 6 and remains in place.
Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scum on the water near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water. It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and generally has a strong musty or earthy odour.