Red Alert issued for Tweed River

[Member]



Red Alert issued for Bray Park Weir on the Tweed River    

North Coast Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
Media Contact: Brian Dodd NSW Office of Water 6641 6592 or 0427 661 418
2 November 2012
Blue-green Algae - Red Alert issued for Bray Park Weir

Recent sampling of the water in Bray Park Weir has indicated an increased presence
of blue-green algae in Bray Park Weir.
The North Coast Regional Algal Coordinating Committee spokesperson, Brian Dodd
said today that the warning level for Bray Park Weir has moved from amber to red
alert status.
“This red alert has been issued to advise the community and water users upstream of
Bray Park Weir to be aware of the situation,” Mr Dodd said.
Tweed Shire Council has been running the Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
dosing system at the Water Treatment Plant for around one week now to ensure the
safety of the town water supply.
“The results of tests indicate Council is effectively removing taste and odour
associated with the affects of blue-green algae.”
“Accordingly, we would like to advise landholders that stock should not be allowed to
drink from the foreshores and immediately upstream of Bray Park Weir as affected
stock may die."
Dogs are particularly susceptible as they ingest algae by licking their coats.
"There is potential for harmful effects of blue-green algae and the community who
use the river for recreation should be aware that contact with the affected water could
result in skin rashes, eye and ear irritations."
"Ingesting the water can lead to diarrhoea and long term health problems. Asthma
attacks can also be brought on by contact with blue-green algae."
There is some evidence that small quantities of algal toxins may enter fish flesh when
a bloom produces toxins. Any fish caught in water affected by a bloom should be
cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs
disposed of before consumption.
People should not eat mussels, crayfish or the internal organs of fish from red alert
areas.
Tweed Shire Council is monitoring the situation very closely with regular sampling
and analysis of the affected water and asks that the public heed the warning signs
erected by Council.
“It is with the cooperation of the community that we can mitigate the potential health
issues associated with blue-green algae on people and animals,” Mr Dodd added.
Tweed Shire Council contact on (02) 6670 2400


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