Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on October 17, 2013, 08:22:07 PM
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Unseasonably warm weather brings heightened risk of algal blooms
15 Oct 2013 - SunWater
SunWater is reminding visitors to dams over the coming months that warmer weather could lead to increases in blue-green algae (BGA) blooms.
SunWater Manager, Water Planning and Environment, Gordon Delaney said BGA was commonly found in most large water storages across Queensland each year and the public should be aware it can pose potential health risks for people and livestock.
"BGA blooms are not uncommon at this time of year and occur in varying volumes depending on climate, season and storage location," Mr Delaney said.
"As part of SunWater’s Environmental Management System, we regularly monitor BGA levels in our major storages across Queensland and advise the public of any risks through storage hazard information on SunWater’s website.
"There are many contaminants in addition to BGA that can find their way into water storages from various activities in the catchment, making the water unsuitable for drinking purposes.
"Using untreated dam water for domestic purposes can cause skin rashes and other health problems.
"Eating fish and crabs caught in dams that have higher than normal BGA levels can also pose a risk and people are advised to exercise care if considering eating their fishing catch.
"Graziers are advised that there is also a potential risk for livestock who may be grazing near water storages that contain high levels of BGA."
Mr Delaney said SunWater regularly updates BGA hazard signs at all its dam sites so people visiting the dams for recreational swimming, skiing, fishing or camping activities are informed of any potential risks.
"The risk of encountering BGA blooms will be listed as a low, moderate or high and we ask that the public read the signs and take the necessary precautions when visiting our dams," he said.
For the latest BGA hazard advisories at SunWater dams, visit the Water Storage Level section of sunwater.com.au or call 13 15 89.
Beardmore Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 2 October 2013
Bjelke-Petersen Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 23 September 2013
Boondooma Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 2 October 2013
Burdekin Falls Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Callide Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Cania Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 23 September 2013
Coolmunda Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 1 October 2013
Eungella Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 22 September 2013
Fairbairn Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 1 October 2013
Fred Haigh Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Julius Dam
BGA Status: High
Sample Date: 1 October 2013
Kinchant Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Leslie Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Paradise Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Peter Faust Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Teemburra Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 30 September 2013
Tinaroo Falls Dam
BGA Status: Moderate
Sample Date: 1 October 2013
Wuruma Dam
BGA Status: Low
Sample Date: 30 September 2013