Blue-green algal alert for Glennies Creek Dam
27/10/2011
State Water today issued a high level blue-green algal alert for Glennies Creek Dam in accordance with the Guidelines for Management Response to Marine and Freshwater algal blooms.
State Water spokesperson Amy Selwood said that algae numbers are in the high range and are a potential health risk to people and animals.
Ms Selwood said people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming or water skiing.
Blue-green algae is usually very obvious, appearing as green paint-like scums on the water and foreshore edges or clumps throughout the water and usually has a strong odour. This makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured.
Warning signs have been erected in the affected areas.
The bloom was detected during routine monitoring by State Water.
Blue-green algae may cause severe stomach upsets, nausea and skin irritation in both people and animals. Blue-green algae may contain toxins (and testing is currently being undertaken to determine this toxicity). Boiling the water does not remove the toxins produced by the algae.
Common sense would suggest not to consume fish caught in water affected by a bloom.
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. Toxins might also taint fish flesh and when a bloom is toxic common sense says finfish should not be eaten.
The Hunter New England Area Health Service advises people who believe they may have been affected by the algae to seek medical treatment.
State Water will continue to monitor the bloom and will further advise the public as the situation changes.
ENDS
Media enquiries: Amy Selwood Communication Officer State Water 02 6841 2087
Health enquiries: Hunter New England Area Health Service 02 4985 5522
