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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 16 December 2008 BLUE-GREEN ALGAL ALERT FOR PATERSON RIVER - DOWNSTERAM OF LOSTOCK DAM The Hunter Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today issued a blue-green algae ‘red alert’ for the Paterson River downstream of Lostock Dam. Committee spokesman, James Muddle, said algae numbers are in the high range and are a potential health risk to people and animals – water users and the Hunter Water Corporation have been notified. Mr Muddle said people should not undertake recreational activities where they may come into direct contact with the water, such as swimming. “Water from the Paterson River below Lostock Dam, extending downstream to Gresford, should not be used for domestic purposes such as showering and washing,” he said. “Livestock should be removed from the affected areas and fruit or vegetables that may have been irrigated with the affected water should be washed thoroughly with fresh water before use.” “People should avoid eating freshwater shellfish and the head and entails of fin-fish in the affected area.” Blue-green algae is usually very obvious, appearing as green paint-like scums on the water and foreshore edges or clumps throughout the water, and normally has a strong odour. This makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured. The algae may cause severe stomach upsets, nausea and skin irritation in both people and animals. Blue-green algae may contain toxins, which cannot be removed by boiling the water. Hunter New England Health advises people who believe they may have been affected by the algae to seek medical treatment. State Water Corporation will continue to monitor the bloom in Lostock Dam and its impact on downstream waters as a result of outflows. The Department of Water and Energy will further advise the public as the situation changes. Updates about the status of blue-green algae alerts can be obtained from the Department of Water and Energy’s freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457. Additional information regarding blue-green algae is available on the Department of Water and Energy website – www.dwe.nsw.gov.au
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