Red alert issued for Blue Green Algae in the Lower Darling River

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ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN
Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
Friday, 17 October 2014

Red alert issued for Blue Green Algae in the Lower Darling River at Tapio

The Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today issued a red alert warning for
toxic blue green algae in the lower Darling River at Tapio.
Sunraysia RACC Chair, Owen Russell, said that the high readings taken here were not
surprising given the warm temperatures and reduced inflows.
Mr Russell said that this red alert level warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for
recreational use or primary contact by domestic users and may also pose a threat to
livestock.
“Residents are advised to avoid contact with the raw water supply too.”
Wentworth Shire Council has indicated that water taken from town water supply systems is
safe for human consumption.
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.
People are advised not to enter the water, not to drink untreated water or bathe in water
drawn from the river while this red alert level warning is in place.
Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green
algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is 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.Sorry, only registered users can see this content. Please Login or Register.