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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 4 May 2009 RED ALERTS LIFTED FOR PARTS OF THE MURRAY RIVER Chairman of the Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (MRACC) Richard Scott today announced the further downgrading of the red alerts for blue green algae in the Murray River. “Continued sampling has revealed the reduction in blue green algae numbers at a number of sites in the Murray," he said. “The red alert has been lifted for Hume Reservoir and the Murray River at Albury and Howlong, but remains in place for Cobram , Tocumwal, Lake Mulwala , Corowa Yarrawonga, Picnic Point, Barmah and Moama. Gulpa Creek at Mathoura, the Edward River at Deniliquin, and Moulamein and the Wakool River at Kyalite also all remain on red alert. The a red alert continues at Robinvale and Euston in the lower Murray. “The Amber Alert remains in place in the mid Murray River from Torrumbarry Weir to Boundary Bend, including Barham, Murray Downs, Swan Hill, and Tooleybuc. “All water users are asked to exercise caution when using any water from these systems,” Mr Scott said Owen Russell, Chair of the Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committee (SRACC) said that the recent rainfall across the region and associated cool change was expected to lead to a further decline in blue green algal presence . 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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