GOULBURN Mulwaree Council has posted bluegreen algae alert signs at Pejar Dam as levels of the toxic bloom have reached amber alert proportions.
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Senior engineer, supply and treatment, Marina Hollands said that normally by this time of year the algae would be much more prevalent.
“Sunlight, nutrients in the water, stillness and heat all contribute to the algae’s growth and it does not take long for it to increase in volume and reach the red alert level,” Mrs Hollands said.
“There is quite a bit of research being done world wide to find ways of alleviating or controlling the growth of blue-green algae in water supplies, but so far we have not seen much in terms of viable results.
“Goulburn Mulwaree Council is keeping an eye on any developments that could help with this annual problem.”
The Sydney Catchment Authority has undertaken trials with a chemical that bound up nutrients but has decided not to proceed at this stage. There have also been trials using an ultrasonic probe.
“We would love to find a solution but at this stage you just can’t stop its growth,” Ms Hollands said.
She advised that people fishing on Pejar Dam or other waterways likely to be affected by blue-green algae should practice catching and releasing the fish (or in the case of carp or redfin - catch and compost).
They should not eat the fish caught in these waterways due to the risk of toxin build-up.
The council has also advised against boating or any activities where people could come into contact with the water as it may cause skin irritation or gastroenteritis if consumed.
People fishing and others who inadvertently come into contact with affected water should wash their skin clean as soon as practical.
Pets and livestock should also be kept away from any water source where blue-green algae was likely.
The good news is that Rossi and Marsden Weirs at this stage seem unaffected by algae and there is reasonable inflow of fresh water. Goulburn Mulwaree Council water staff conduct regular checks on water storages including Pejar and Sooley,
Rossi and Marsden weirs. The checks are not only for the presence of blue-green algae and other nasties but water flow rates and dam integrity.
