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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.

Red Alert Summary Report Released 29th September 2008

Coordination area	Location	Major use	Trend	Management action
North Coast	Malpas Reservoir	Recreation Potable supply (Armidale)	No change	Reservoir closed, warning signs displayed. Continued monitoring by Council
North Coast	Gara Reservoir	Recreation Potable supply (Armidale) Stock and domestic (downstream)	New	Reservoir closed, downstream users notified. Continued monitoring by Council
Metropolitan/South Coast	Sydney Harbour at Birkenhead Point	Recreation	New	Media release issued, continued surveillance
Barwon	Pindari Reservoir	Recreation Stock water Irrigation Town (Ashford)	New	Media release issued, warning signs erected, continued surveillance
Barwon	Copeton Reservoir	Irrigation Recreation Stock water	No change	Media release issued. continued surveillance
Barwon	Chaffey Reservoir	Irrigation Recreation Stock and domestic town supply (Tamworth)	Increasing	Media release issued, warning signs errected, water users notified, continued surveillance

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.