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NSW Algal Information

Algal alerts

Algal blooms can cause waters to be unsafe for recreation in both freshwater and marine water environments. Algal alerts are issued by Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs) who are responsible for local management of algal blooms.

For information on current alerts call the NSW algae hotline on 1800 999 457 or view the media releases.

The summary report below provides the most recent algal data collated by the Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACC) from across NSW. Algal blooms may be present and not reported to the RACCs. Locations identified below were experiencing algal blooms at the date of the report. This report does not contain data from water storages managed by Water Supply Authorities where there is no public access.

NSW Health advises that any domestic use (including drinking) of surface water without treatment should be avoided at all times.

Recreational "Red alert" Algal Status Report: Updated 23rd January 2009

The summary below is based on the most recent algal data available from the DWE laboratory and other sources.

Coordination area	Location	Major use	Trend	Management action
North Coast	Malpas Reservoir	Recreation Stock and Domestic Potable (Armidale)	No Change	Continued surveillance by Armidale Dumaresq Council
Hunter	Telarah Lagoon near Maitland	Stock watering Recreation Aesthetics	No Change	Continued surveillance, Media release issued by Maitland Council
Barwon	Pindari Reservoir	Recreation Stock water Irrigation Town supply (Ashford)	No Change	Media release issued, warning signs erected, continued surveillance
Barwon	Copeton Reservoir	Irrigation Recreation Stock water	No Change	Continued surveillance, signs erected, media release issued
Central West	Windamere Reservoir	Irrigation Recreation Stock and domestic	No Change	Continued surveillance, media alert issued, warning signs erected

Red alert are declared where algal cell numbers exceed the triggers identified in the Guidelines for Managing Risk in Recreational Waters released by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

All blue green algae 'blooms' should be considered as potentially toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for potable water supply (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation. NSW Health advises that any domestic use (including drinking) of surface water without treatment should be avoided at all times.

Regional Algal Coordinating Committees in NSW

For further information about RACCs and contact details click on the relevant area on the map or in the list below.