Red Alert for Blue Green Algae at Lake Wallace - Wallerawang

[Member]

ALGAL ALERT BULLETIN
Metropolitan and South Coast
Regional Algal Coordinating Committee
Friday, 14 February 2014

[b ]Red Alert for Blue Green Algae at Lake Wallace - Wallerawang [/b]

The Metropolitan and South Coast Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today issued a high level ‘red alert’ blue-green algae warning for Lake Wallace at Wallerawang.
Sampling at Lake Wallace has recorded high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
People should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming or boating.
All domestic animals should be kept away, as the potential harmful effects of blue-green algae can cause death in animals.
Blue-green algae can be blown around the lake with the prevailing wind conditions and people are advised to avoid areas where algae is obvious, as areas affected can change rapidly.
Blue-green algae often appears as a green paint-like scum on the water and foreshore edges or clumps throughout the water and usually has a strong earthy odour. This makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured. However; scums may not be present or visible, especially in windy conditions.
Warning signs have been erected in the affected areas by Lithgow City Council.
Blue-green algae may cause severe stomach upsets, nausea, skin and eye irritation in some people.
Blue-green algae may contain toxins – boiling the water does not remove the toxins produced by the algae.
There is some evidence that small quantities of algal toxins may enter fish flesh when a bloom produces toxins.
Lithgow City Council will continue to monitor the bloom. The public will be advised as the situation changes.
Information about blue-green algae blooms is available from the freecall Algal Information Hotline 1800 999 457