General News
2 February, 2023
Toxic algae identified in local reservoirs
The public is being warned to steer clear of the Laanecoorie Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir and Hepburns Lagoon following the detection of toxic blue-green algae this week. Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) found traces of the algae in the local waterways...
The public is being warned to steer clear of the Laanecoorie Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir and Hepburns Lagoon following the detection of toxic blue-green algae this week.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) found traces of the algae in the local waterways with warning signs to be set up at the sites.
GMW water quality coordinator Bianca Atley said Laanecoorie, Tullaroop Reservoir and Hepburns Lagoon will not be closed to the public and visitors can still sightsee and enjoy other activities that do not involve direct contact with the water.
“If people are near the water or on a boat, they should take care to avoid direct contact with the water,” she said.
Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies and contain toxins harmful to humans, and animals.
Signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.
GMW recommends people and pets avoid contact with the water, and do not use affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering — boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
If you come into contact with affected water, wash affected skin immediately in clean cold water.
For more health information about blue-green algae, visit www.health.vic.gov.au or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.
Keep up-to-date with current blue-green algae warnings at www.g- mwater.com.au/news/bga or by ringing 1800 013 357.