Goulburn-Murray Water’s statutory functions are to manage the major headworks, irrigation supply and drainage systems, surface water diversions and groundwater in its region. Goulburn-Murray Water also promotes best practice land use and development within the catchments to its storages for water quality and biodiversity purposes.
In addition to its statutory responsibilities, Goulburn-Murray Water, in partnership with other catchment management authorities, aims to protect, maintain and enhance an extensive network of waterways throughout the North East, Goulburn-Broken, North Central and Mallee catchment management areas.
Goulburn-Murray Water is responsible for the management of blue-green algae in its storages and is the convening agency for regional blue-green algal bloom management. Goulburn-Murray Water undertakes regular water quality monitoring within its storages and drainage systems, contributes to the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network, is developing storage management plans for each of its storages and is active in state and national research and development programs. Goulburn-Murray Water also works closely with its catchment management partners such as the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industries, Environment Protection Authority and Catchment Management Authorities to discuss and manage ongoing and emerging water quality and natural resource management issues.
Reminder of water quality risks
Goulburn-Murray Water reminds water users in
northern Victoria to be on the lookout for changes in water
quality due to varying weather conditions.
Storms or rainfall events, and spells of hot weather may cause changes in
water quality in natural water bodies and the Corporation's irrigation
systems.
Storms and rainfall events can
wash leaves, branches, litter and sediment into streams and affect the quality
of water supplies.
Discolouration of the water can occur, giving it an inky black appearance
as well as producing a pungent earthy odour. These odours may affect the amenity values of
waterbodies.
Decomposing
organic material also reduces the dissolved oxygen level in the water. Highly turbid or muddy water can also reduce
dissolved oxygen levels. The flush of
organic material may adversely affect
fish, yabbies and other aquatic life.
As rainfall carries nutrients into water
bodies, a future spell of hot weather may also provide ideal conditions for blue‑green algae
growth.
Toxic species of
blue-green algae, when ingested, can be dangerous to the health of humans and
animals. All blue-green algal species
produce skin irritants. Depending on
their level of contact with these algae, people could experience skin rashes,
dermatitis, eye irritations or allergic reactions.
People drawing water directly from
streams and rivers in the region or G-MW's irrigation system are advised to
monitor their supply source and make alternative arrangements if water quality
deteriorates.
G-MW customers are reminded that
the water supplied by G-MW is untreated and is not suitable for drinking or food
preparation. Untreated water should also not be used for purposes where skin
contact occurs, such as showering.
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| Black water at Boosey Creek |
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Loddon River blue-green algae outbreak |