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

[Member]

ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN
Far West Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
Media Contact: James Muddle – 0407 103 507
24 December 2013

Red alert for blue-green algae in the Darling River at 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 Louth.
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 advised to avoid contact with the raw water supply.
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, 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 bluegreen algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is visible or blue-green algae are suspected.
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.
ENDS