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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.
