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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 17 April 2009 CONFIRMED BLUE GREEN ALGAE AT EUSTON The Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committee has today confirmed a Red Level Warning (high alert) for blue-green algae for Euston and Robinvale.
This bloom has now been confirmed as potentially toxic blue-green algae.
Sunraysia RACC Chair, Owen Russell said that Red Level Warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for recreational use or primary contact by domestic users 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, Mr Russell said.
“Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins.”
In the Lower Darling, Copi Hollow at Menindee remains on Amber alert, but all alerts have been removed for the river itself between Menindee and Wentworth, including the previous Red alert for Burtundy.
Also the section of the Murray River between Torrumbarry Weir and Boundary Bend, including the towns of Barham, Swan Hill and Tooleybuc, is now on the less severe Amber Level Alert
While the water is safe for some recreational uses where the Red Level Alert has been lifted, caution should still be used when entering the water and water users are advised to avoid drinking the untreated water.
Algal blooms can develop in a 24 hour period and can spread rapidly along the river.
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,” Mr Russell said.
Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scums are visible or 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.
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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