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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 9 April 2009 MURRAY ALGAL BLOOM ALERT SPREADS TO EDWARD RIVER A/Chairman of the Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (MRACC) Greg Smith today confirmed that the algal bloom in the Murray River has now also spread to the Edward River at Moulamein. Sampling results received show the presence of high numbers of potentially toxic blue-green algae in the Edward River," he said. “Visual reports from the Edward River further downstream at Deniliquin and Old Morage also suggests that the river at these locations have high blue-green algal concentrations.” “This means that we now have approximately 800 kilometres of Murray River under a red alert warning as well as the Edward River.” “Mr Smith said that the results indicated that conditions suitable for algal blooms are widespread across this area of NSW. “Given the continued warm clear weather there was little chance of the bloom dispersing over the upcoming Easter holiday period.” The Murray RACC issued the red alert warning last week when routine monitoring by both NSW and Victorian authorities detected very high numbers of blue-green algae in a large section of Murray River. Mr Smith also wished to remind people that the red alert for the Murray River is still in place. 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, and are further advised not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the river whilst this red alert 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 alert 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 alert warning areas can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee free call Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457. Further information can also be obtained from the Department of Water and Energy’s website www.dwe.nsw.gov.au or Goulburn Murray Water’s website at www.g-mwater.com.au
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