GOULBURN-MURRAY Water (GMW) is warning the public to avoid contact with water in the Broken River downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Casey Weir due to potential high levels of blue-green algae.
Lake Nillahcootie currently has a warning for high levels of blue-green algae, and wind gusts have blown algae scums from the lake over the spillway, leading to high concentrations of scums downstream.
Sampling by GMW has shown differing levels of blue-green algae in the Broken River, and testing will continue over the coming days.
A blue-green algae warning has been issued for the Broken River downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Casey Weir.
Lake Benalla is situated on the Broken River and is included in this warning.
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The blue-green algae-affected portion of the Broken River currently does not impact water sourced for Benalla’s drinking water supply.
GMW is the designated regional coordinator for managing blue-green algae warnings in the Broken River.
The warning is being managed in conjunction with other agencies such as the Department of Health, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Agriculture Victoria, urban water corporations, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Authority, local government and Parks Victoria.
Regional Coordinator Bianca Atley said GMW customers and the public downstream of Lake Nillahcootie should be on the lookout for scums in the area and monitor their water supply in coming days.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies but contain toxins harmful to humans and animals,” she said.
“Contact with it can cause rashes; sore eyes, ears and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.
"If you are near the water, take extra precautions.”
It is recommended:
• People and pets avoid contact with the water.
• Those who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin immediately in clean cold water.
• Seeking an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible.
• Not using affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels.
Water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly treated.
Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice-making, and drinking.
