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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 11 December 2008 HIGH ALGAL WARNING AT WINDAMERE RESERVOIR The Central West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee has today issued a Red Level Warning (high alert) for blue-green algae for Windamere Reservoir near Mudgee.
Routine observations by State Water and the Department of Water and Energy, has detected blooms of potentially toxic blue-green algae at the recreation area and dam wall in the Reservoir.
A Red Level Warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for recreational use and may also pose a threat to livestock.
The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins.
Local residents and visitors should avoid any water that appears bright green, where obvious green scums are present, or a distinctive odour is noticeable. Blue-green algae are usually very obvious, appearing as clumps or specs in the water and are often associated with a strong musty or earthy odour.
People are advised not to enter the water, and are further advised not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the river whilst a Red Level Warning is in place.
Landholders are advised to remove stock from the river foreshores as blue-green algae are known to cause stock illness or even death. Dogs are particularly susceptible as they ingest algae by licking their coats.
As the dry period continues, livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where blue-green algae are suspected.
People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Level Warning areas. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.
This Red Level Warning will remain in place until such time as the Central West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee advises that it has been lifted. The Department of Water and Energy will continue routine water quality monitoring of Windamere Reservoir.
Information updates about blue-green algae blooms and Red Level Warning areas can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
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