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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 3 April 2009 BLUE GREEN ALGAE DECLINE AT COPETON DAM The Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today announced that the previously issued Red Level Algal Warning (high alert) at Copeton Dam, near Inverell has been downgraded to Amber Level (medium alert).
Monitoring conducted by the Department of Water and Energy and State Water Corporation has shown that concentrations of blue-green algae have declined to medium levels prompting the lifting of the Red Alert.
While Copeton and Chaffey Dams are safe for fishing and water sports people are advised not to drink untreated or boiled water due to the risk of stomach upsets. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins.
Currently, Keepit, Pindari and Split Rock Dams are on Green Level Algal Warning (low alert). At these concentrations, algae does not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.
People should use personal discretion at all times before entering a water body and be aware that algal blooms can develop in a 24 hour period.
The Department of Water and Energy and State Water will continue routine water quality monitoring and advise any change as new results are received.
Information updates about the status of blue-green algae can be obtained from the Department’s freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
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