BLUE-GREEN ALGAE UPDATED ALERT IN COMPANY DAM | 25 March 2024

Published on 25 March 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE(PDF, 289KB) | WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

 BLUE-GREEN ALGAE UPDATED ALERT IN COMPANY DAM

Weddin Shire Council regrets to inform residents and visitors that the blue-green algae at Company Dam has returned. We would like to advise residents and visitors to our Shire, to avoid any contact with the water in Company Dam until further notice due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The rainfall over the weekend followed by warmer temperatures has led to the conditions for it increase and grow to unexceptional levels. Blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes, dams and streams. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. This unfortunately occurred at Company Dam.

Blue-green algae impacts a number of lakes and dams across the state. Council Officers continue to monitor the area to ensure the safety of our community. We understand that the level had only decreased to an acceptable level last week. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

What are blue-green algae?

Algae are a natural feature of aquatic environments. While most algae are harmless, some types of cyanobacteria are not. Although commonly referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria are actually photosynthetic bacteria that live in water. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can pose risk to livestock and cause public health issues for humans. Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water. It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and generally has a strong musty or earthy odour.

The only way to tell if algae are harmful is to take a sample and analyse it in a laboratory.

How can blue green algae affect you?

Skin and eye irritation is a common reaction. At stronger concentrations nerve and liver toxins may be present. Some people are more likely than others to suffer as a result of contact with blue green algae. Anyone who is aware that they are acutely allergic to blue-green algae should avoid contact with the waters of Company Dam until further notice.

Council will continue to monitor the water quality of the dam with regular testing, and will advise the public when it is safe to recommence activities in Company Dam.

For more information, please contact Council’s Environmental Services team on (02) 6343 1212.