Goulburn-Murray Water has warned the public to avoid contact with water in the Broken River downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Shepparton due to potentially high levels of blue-green algae.
The warning issued earlier this month for Lake Nillahcootie to Caseys Weir has been extended to include the Broken River to Shepparton, as well as the Broken Creek from Caseys Weir to Katamatite.
Lake Benalla is situated on the Broken River and is included in this warning.
The Broken River warning does not affect water used for Benalla’s drinking water supply.
Lake Nillahcootie also has a warning for high levels of blue-green algae.
G-MW said at this stage, there was no expected impact on the Goulburn River, which joins the Broken River at Shepparton, although the Goulburn would be monitored as a precaution.
The blue-green algae warning has no impact on Shepparton’s drinking water supply.
G-MW is the designated regional co-ordinator 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 Management Authority, local government and Parks Victoria.
Regional co-ordinator Bianca Atley said G-MW customers and the public downstream of Lake Nillahcootie should be on the lookout for ‘scums’ in the area and monitor their water supply in the coming days.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally in water bodies 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.”
In areas of high levels of blue-green algae, 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
- Seek an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible
- Affected water not be used for cooking, drinking, washing or showering
- Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes
G-MW said it was impossible to predict how long the algae would remain at high levels.
Water supplied by G-MW is unsuitable for human consumption without first being properly treated.
Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice-making and drinking.
Stay up-to-date with blue-green algae warnings at www.gmwater.com.au/bga
For more information, phone G-MW on 1800 013 357.
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