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Blue-green algae red alert for Lake Cargelligo

Western Plains App

Lily Plass

31 January 2025, 8:44 PM

Blue-green algae red alert for Lake Cargelligo A map of blue-green algae alerts in the Lachlan Shire. Photo: Water NSW

Water NSW issued a red alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Lake Cargelligo this week.

 

The department already issued a red alert for the Lake Cargelligo Outlet at Lake Creek on 15 January which continues to remain in place. 

 

Orange alerts at the Lake Cargelligo Boatshed, Lake Cargelligo Weir, and the Darling River at Louth are also still present. 


The Lake Cargelligo intake downstream of Curlew Waters has been cleared for blue-green algae alerts.


 

"The Lake Cargelligo town water drinking water supply is currently being drawn from bores and is not impacted by this alert," the Lachlan Shire said in a statement.

 

People should avoid drinking untreated water and keep their pets and livestock from doing so as well, as the blue-green algae can be toxic.


"Potentially toxic blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, while contact can cause skin and eye irritations," a statement from Water NSW said.


"Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins."

 

Coming in contact with the blue-green algae by swimming or swallowing the water can also cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cramps. 

 

People who suspect they have been affected by blue-green algae should seek medical advice. 


 

Anyone fishing should clean and wash their catch thoroughly with uncontaminated water before consuming and avoid eating the internal organs, or any mussels or crayfish.

 

"Avoiding fishing during a bloom is the best way to minimise the risk," Water NSW said.

 

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria typically appear green in the water which can turn blueish when the scums are dying. 


A 'bloom' refers to the accumulation of algal cells to the point where they discolour the water, can affect water quality, and produce unpleasant odours. 


 An example of blue-green algae in bloom. Photo: Lamiot Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0


Conditions ideal for blue-green algae growth include still water, warm temperatures, a high nitrogen ratio compared to phosphorous concentration, and stable weather. 


"It's a naturally occurring phenomenon," a Water NSW spokesperson said. "The number usually spikes during the summer when it gets hotter."


Blue-green algal blooms can last for several weeks, sometimes even months if the weather conditions are ideal for their growth.