Blue-green algae warning for Nagambie Lakes (Goulburn Weir)

Thursday 23 May, 2019

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is warning customers and the public to avoid direct contact with water in the entire Nagambie Lakes system after monitoring detected high levels of blue‑green algae.

Warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas around the Nagambie Lakes and will remain in place while high levels of blue-green algae are present.  The Nagambie Lakes will not be closed to the public.

You can still sightsee and enjoy other activities at the Nagambie Lakes and Goulburn Weir that do not involve direct contact with the water.

Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies and can present a risk to the health of humans and animals. The algae detected may cause gastroenteritis if ingested. Characteristic signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes, ears and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.

GMW recommends:

  • People and pets avoid contact with the water.
  • People who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin immediately in clean cold water.
  • Seeking an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible.
  • Do not use affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering.  Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
  • Reading GMW’s fact sheet and other information on blue green algae at GMW’s blue-green algae webpage (https://www.g-mwater.com.au/news/bga) to be informed of the risks. 

It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels.

GMW is continuing to monitor the situation in the Nagambie Lakes.  A warning for blue green algae was previously issued on 25 March 2019 for Turner Island backwaters East and West, located near Kirwans Bridge, within the Nagambie Lakes.  It should be noted that the blue green algae detected in the remaining Nagambie Lakes are a different species of algae and therefore this natural event has occurred independently.

Keep up to date with current blue-green algae warnings at https://www.g-mwater.com.au/news/bga or by ringing 1800 013 357 and selecting the option for blue-green algae information.

Water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly treated. Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice making and drinking.

For more information about blue-green algae and your health, visit health.vic.gov.au or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.