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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 23 May 2008 BLUE GREEN ALGAE DECLINE AT PINDARI AND COPETON DAMS The Barwon Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today announced that the previously issued Red Level Algal Warning (high alert) at Pindari Dam near Inverell has been downgraded to Amber Level (medium alert). Monitoring conducted by the Department of Water and Energy and State Water Corporation has shown that concentrations of blue-green algae have declined to medium levels prompting the lifting of the Red Alert. While medium algae levels are still in place people are advised not to drink untreated or boiled water due to the risk of stomach upsets. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins. Cooler temperatures have resulted in the previously issued Red Level Algal Warning at Copeton Dam to be downgraded to Green Level (low alert), making the dam suitable for fishing and water sports. Locals and visitors are advised that the Red Level (high alert) at Chaffey Dam remains current. People should continue to avoid activities in Chaffey Dam where they may come into direct contact with the water due to the risks of skin and eye irritations. Algae may tend to concentrate along the shorelines and in protected bays. People should use personal discretion at all times before entering a water body and be aware that algal blooms can develop in a 24 hour period. State Water and the Department of Water and Energy will continue to monitor the situation and advise any change as new results are received. Information updates about the status of blue-green algae can be obtained from the Department’s freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.   MEDIA CONTACTS Public Relations Officer Level 3, Noel Park House 155-157 Marius St PO Box 550 TAMWORTH NSW 2340 Telephone: (02) 6701 9662 Facsimile: (02) 6701 9680 Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Natural Resources