Red alert for blue-green algae in Macintyre River

[Member]

ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN
Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
17 November 2014

Red alert for blue-green algae in Boggabilla Weir

The Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (RACC) has issued a red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae in the Macintyre River at Boggabilla Weir.
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.

Recreational users downstream of Boggabilla Weir should use personal discretion and avoid contact with water showing possible signs of blue-green algae
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.

Boggabilla’s town water supply remains safe as Moree Plains Shire Council has commenced treating the water with Powdered Activated Carbon to remove toxins ensuring the town’s water supply is safe.

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.
Domestic pets should also be kept away from the area, especially dogs which are particularly susceptible as they can ingest algae by licking their coats.

This red level warning will remain in place until such time as the Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee advises that it has been lifted. The NSW Office of Water will continue water quality monitoring of the Macintyre River.

For more information on algal alerts currently in place, please call the State’s toll free algal information line on 1800 999 457 or visit the NSW Office of Water’s website – www.water.nsw.gov.au. Sorry, only registered users can see this content. Please Login or Register.