Blue-Green Algae Alerts
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HIGH ALERT
The High Alert for blue-green algae for the Murray River has been updated on the 23rd February 2010 and now extends from Hume Dam to Barham, including Lake Mulwala. The Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee have issued a media release, refer http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-Management/Water-quality/Algal-information/default.aspx G-MW is informing customers by letter and assisting with the erection of warning signs at key public access areas in conjunction with other organisations. The algae levels will continue to be monitored and updates will be provided via media and this website.
For more information see the Murray River agal bloom Frequently Asked Questions
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Please telephone (03) 5833 5785 to access Goulburn-Murray Water's blue-green algae hotline.
To access warnings for individual storages on this telephone service you can use the following shortcut numbers
SHORTCUT
Blampied's Lagoon
1
9
1
Lake Boga (Kerang)
1
8
5
Broken Creek
1
4
3
Buffalo
1
3
2
Cairn Curran Reservoir
1
7
1
Central Goulburn Irrigation Area
1
9
3
Charm
1
8
3
Dartmouth
1
1
1
Eildon
1
5
1
Eppalock
1
6
1
Lake Hawthorn (Mildura)
1
2
2
Hume Dam
NSW 1800 999 457
Kangaroo Lake
1
8
4
Kow Swamp
1
8
1
Laanecoorie Reservoir
1
7
3
Mildura Weir
1
2
3
Mokoan
1
4
1
Moodemere
1
9
1
Mulwala / Yarrawonga Weir
1
1
3
Murray Valley Irrigation Area
1
9
1
Nagambie / Goulburn Weir
1
5
2
Nillahcootie
Pyramid - Boort Irrigation Area
1
1
4
9
2
5
Reedy Lakes
1
8
2
Rochester-Campaspe Irrigation Area
1
9
4
Shepparton Irrigation Area
1
9
2
Torgannah Lagoon (Cobram)
1
9
1
Torrumbarry Irrigation Area
1
9
6
Torrumbarry Weir
1
2
1
Tullaroop Reservoir/Newlyn Reservoir/Hepburn Lagoon
1
7
2
River Murray
NSW 1800 999 457
Waranga Basin
1
5
3
William Hovell
1
3
1
All recreational users are advised to avoid contact with water surface scums.
Identification: Blue-green algae can be seen in the form of green paint-like scums or slicks on the water surface, or water discoloured by green flecks.
Action: Seek alternative supply; avoid skin contact; do not boil the water or treat with herbicides
Potential risks posed by blue-green algae affected water to human health are both direct (drinking water, showering, bathing etc.) and indirect (consumption of agricultural products and fish etc.)
Some species of blue-green algae produce toxins which have serious implications for humans and animals contacting or consuming blue-green algae affected water. Symptoms include skin irritation, dermatitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting.
To report sightings, or for further information please call the Goulburn-Murray Water Blue-Green Algae Hotline: Tatura (03) 5833 5785.
For algae alerts beyond G-MW's area refer http://www.lmw.vic.gov.au/ and http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/
Click here to find out more about blue-green algae.
