ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN

[Member]

ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN
Far West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
24 January 2014

Red alert for blue-green algae in Darling River at Wilcannia and Louth

The Far West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (RACC) has issued a red level
warning (high alert) for blue-green algae in the Darling River at Wilcannia, Louth and Rose
Island.

This 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.
Landholders are also advised to avoid contact with the raw water supply.
Blue-green algae is 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, and are further advised not to drink untreated
water or bathe in water drawn from the river whilst this red 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.
Wilcannia’s town water supply remains safe as Central Darling Shire Council has
commenced treating the water with Powdered Activated Carbon and utilising alternate water
supplies.
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.
This red level warning will remain in place until such time as the Far West Regional Algal
Coordinating Committee advises that it has been lifted. The NSW Office of Water will
continue routine water quality monitoring of the Darling River.
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.