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DWE Home > Home > Water Management > Water quality > Algal information > Far West Algal Reporting

NSW Algal Information

Far West Algal Alerts

Far West

View or download the latest Algal Alerts on the Barwon-Darling:
As of 3 February 2009 (PDF 55KB)
As of 19 December 2008 (PDF 54KB)
As of 21 November 2008 (PDF 54KB)
As of 27 October 2008 (PDF 55KB)
As of 22 September 2008 (PDF 55KB)
As of 22 August 2008 (PDF 561KB)
As of 24 July 2008 (PDF 562KB)
As of 24 June 2008 (PDF 557KB)
As of 02 May 2008 (PDF 563KB)
As of 18 April 2008 (PDF 565KB)
As of 31 March 2008 (PDF 555KB)
As of 22 February 2008 (PDF 563KB)
As of 21st December 2007 (PDF 602KB)
As of 13th December 2007 (PDF 599KB)
As of 19th November 2007 (PDF 602KB)
As of 26th October 2007 (PDF 591KB)
more: archived reports.

Far West Algal Reporting: Background

Algae populations in the Barwon-Darling river system are routinely monitored at thirteen locations (shown below) between Mungindi and Menindee.

Algal sampling sites in Far Western NSW

Sample collection is managed by the Department and is conducted by departmental staff and Shire councils along the Barwon-Darling River.

The primary objective is to monitor algae and provide early warning of algal development. Increased sampling frequency and information collection and dissemination is triggered when a blue-green algal bloom occurs.

High levels of blue-green algae may cause problems for recreational water use.  When a Red Alert is registered, users are advised to avoid waters in these areas.  NSW Health advises that any domestic use of surface water, including drinking, without treatment poses potentially serious health risks.  Landholders are advised to keep stock away from any affected areas, as blue-green algae are potentially toxic.