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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 11 February 2009 RED ALERT FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE AT HAY The Murrumbidgee Regional Algal Coordinating Committee has today issued a Red Level Warning (high alert) for blue-green algae for the Murrumbidgee River at Hay. Routine monitoring by Department of Water and Energy has detected high numbers of potentially toxic blue-green algae in the Hay Weir pool. Red Level Warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for recreational use or primary contact by domestic users and may also pose a threat to livestock. Hay Shire Council are treating the town water supply, however residents are advised to avoid contact with the raw water supply. The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins. Algal blooms can develop in a 24 hour period and can spread rapidly along the river. Local residents and visitors should avoid any water that appears bright green, where obvious green scums are present, or a distinctive odour is noticeable. Blue-green algae are usually very obvious, appearing as clumps or specs in the water and are often associated with a strong musty or earthy odour. People are advised not to enter the water, and are further advised not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the river whilst a Red Level Warning is in place. Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scums are visible or blue-green algae are suspected. People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Level Warning areas. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. Information updates about blue-green algae blooms and Red Level Warning areas can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
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