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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 26 March 2009 RED ALERT FROM HUME TO TORRUMBARRY
The Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (RACC) today issued a red alert level warning for blue-green algae from Hume Dam to Torrumbarry Weir.
Murray RACC Chairman, Richard Scott said that a red alert level bloom was detected in Lake Mulwala at Yarrawonga on 13 March and a further bloom in the Hume Dam on 16 March 2009.
“These blooms have now spread into the river downstream of these reservoirs covering approximately 400 kilometers,” Mr Schott said.
Town water supply for all towns in this reach of the Murray is being treated and is safe for human consumption.
This includes the border towns of Albury-Wodonga, Cobram-Barooga and Echuca-Moama , however residents who are supplied by channel systems are advised to contact their water supply authority.
“This red alert level warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for recreational use or primary contact by domestic users and may also pose a threat to livestock.
“Residents are advised to avoid contact with the raw water supply too,” Mr Scott said.
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.
People are advised not to enter the water, not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the river while this red alert 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 scum is 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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