There have been mixed reports of the recent blue-green algae sightings from the Hume Reservoir through to Mildura in Victoria and NSW.

There are no red alerts for blue-green algae on the Murray River

The Murray River, Hume Dam, Echuca Moama, Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Swan Hill, Robinvale Euston and Mildura regions are all open for business and ready to be enjoyed.

Naturally it is the users discretion and responsibility to use the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, although please come up and enjoy your break, relax, but take care while enjoying yourself in and around the water.

Still not sure? there are many other wonderful activities in our area to enjoy in the region for the in a lovely part of regional Victoria and New South Wales off the river. This information provided is in the interest of public safety.

What is the current situation?

There is routine monitoring by the New South Wales Office of Water and Victorian agencies blue-green algae in the Murray River.

The Murray Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committees (RACC) maintains sampling at all sites on the Murray River.

Current information on the status of the bloom can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or visit www.water.nsw.gov.au

Cause

Blue-green algae is all to do with the warmer weather conditions, the low water flow, the lack of flushing out through the Murray system due to the drought, and the low level of water in the Hume Reservoir, where the blue-green algae had first gathered and then was sent down the Murray River.

There is blue-green algae in all water ways, but when the readings are a possible threat or harm to people, the responsible authorities have to make it public.

Solutions

Lake Mulwala and the Murray River needs free flowing water, but that's not currently possible due to the lack of rain and water in the catchment areas. Other ways to eliminate blue-green algae are cold weather or strong winds.

How to prepare

• Bring your own fresh drinking water, as you would anytime you go camping
• Supermarkets will have supplies of bottled water available to purchase, as they do at other camping times of the year
• Drinking water from Lake Mulwala or Murray River is not advised, but it may not affect you. Please avoid the risk
• It is best not to boil the water from Lake Mulwala or Murray at this time, but to purchase fresh bottled water or use the town water supplies
• If you know you have allergies, be careful and be prepared, again as can be at other times when using Lake Mulwala and Murray River

What is being done?

The Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee is continuing to monitor the water. Warning signs are being erected at key sites to advise the public not to come into contact with affected water. Given the extent of the bloom, not all affected locations can be signposted and water users are advised to use discretion at all times before entering any body of water.

How might algae in the Murray River affect me?

The algae have been detected at levels that may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, as well as skin irritation, and respiratory and hay-fever like symptoms upon contact. If you feel ill following contact with Murray River water, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Can I swim and undertake other watersports?

Swimming and water sports or activities, including waterskiing, which result in direct contact with affected water are not recommended.

Can I use water from the Murray River within the home?

Untreated river water should never be used for human consumption. Boiling the water will not inactivate algal toxins. Affected river water will be unsuitable for domestic purposes, such as bathing and showering.

Are town water supplies safe to drink?

Water suppliers have put in place treatment systems to manage risks from blue-green algal toxins to town drinking water supplies. Town drinking water supplies along affected sections of the Murray River remain safe to drink. If you have any concerns about the quality of your mains drinking water supply, contact your local water authority (Victoria) or your local council (New South Wales).

What should I do if I come into contact with affected river water?

If contact with affected river water does occur, users should remove any affected clothing and wash themselves thoroughly with clean water after coming ashore. Wetsuits should be thoroughly rinsed before being worn again to remove any traces of algae.

Is it safe for pets and other animals to access water from the Murray River?

Dogs and other pets can also experience health effects through exposure to blue-green algae, so it is safer not to let them enter or drink water in affected areas of the Murray River.

Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where blue-green algae may be present.

Can I eat fish, mussels or crayfish from affected areas of the Murray River?

People should not eat mussels or crayfish from affected areas of the Murray River. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.

Further information:

Information updates about blue-green algae blooms and Red Alert areas can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or visit www.water.nsw.gov.au | Click here for list Water Authorities

For further information on health issues relating to blue-green algae, contact the Victorian Department of Health on 1300 761 874, or NSW Public Health on 02 6080 8900.

Alert level definitions

Green

Blue green algae are first detected in the water at low amounts, possibly signalling the early stages of the development of a bloom. At these concentrations, the blue-green algae do not pose a threat to recreational, stock or domestic use.

Amber

Blue green algae may be multiplying in numbers. The water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. The water remains suitable for recreational use.

Red

These alert levels represent 'bloom' conditions. The water will appear green and may have strong, musty or organically polluted odours. Blue-green algae may be visible as clumps or as scums. The 'blooms' should be considered to be toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for potable water supply (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation.

Source: www.water.nsw.gov.au