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Media Release - Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Barwon Regional Office Tamworth: 5 August 2005 BARWON REGION WEEKLY ALGAL REPORT LOCATION: Chaffey Dam, Tamworth This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change LOCATION: Copeton Dam, Inverell This Week: MEDIUM Last Week: MEDIUM Trend: No change LOCATION: Keepit Dam, Gunnedah This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change LOCATION: Pindari Dam, Ashford This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change LOCATION: Split Rock Dam, Manilla This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change COMMENTS: Copeton Dam remains on medium blue-green algae alert. Users should avoid areas if algae are visible in the water. All dams in the region are suitable for fishing and water sports. ALERT DEFINITIONS HIGH ALERT: Algae may be toxic to humans and animals. Contact with, or use of the water from a high alert area should be avoided. Alternative water supplies should be sought. People are advised not to enter high alert areas, or to drink untreated or boiled water from the waterbody because of the risk of eye and skin irritations and stomach upsets. People are advised not to consume mussels, crayfish or shrimp in high alert areas. People should not fish when algal scum is present. Dogs and stock are particularly at risk and owners should keep dogs away from high alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock. MEDIUM ALERT: Blue-green algae may be multiplying and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. Alternative drinking water supplies should be sought. Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise quickly in warm, calm weather conditions to high alert levels. LOW/NIL ALERT: Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers. At these concentrations, algae do not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use. This weekly report is based on the results from samples collected during routine monitoring. These alert levels at the time of sampling, however levels can change rapidly under favourable weather conditions. For further information on blue-green algal blooms within the Barwon Region contact the Tamworth Regional Office on (02) 6764 5900 or barwonrau@dipnr.nsw.gov.au MEDIA CONTACTS Public Relations Officer Level 3, Noel Park House 155-157 Marius Street PO Box 550 TAMWORTH NSW 2340 Telephone (02) 6764 5912 Facsimile (02) 6764 5982   Top of Page List of Media Releases © NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources