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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Tamworth: 7 October 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: HIGH Last Week: MEDIUM Trend: Increasing LOCATION: Keepit Dam, Gunnedah This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change LOCATION: Pindari Dam, Ashford This Week: HIGH Last Week: HIGH Trend: No change LOCATION: Split Rock Dam, Manilla This Week: NIL/LOW Last Week: NIL/LOW Trend: No change COMMENTS: Numbers of toxic blue-green algae in Pindari Dam and Copeton Dam have risen quickly in recent weeks. People should not undertake recreational activities where they may come into direct contact with the water due to the risk of skin and eye irritations. Drinking untreated or boiled water from Pindari Dam and Copeton Dam can result in stomach upsets. Blue-green algae are usually very obvious, appearing as clumps or specs in the water. In very high numbers algae can form green paint-like scums, and usually has a strong musty or organic odour. Copeton Dam has risen to a blue-green algae alert status of high. Users should exercise caution as blue-green algae numbers can rise quickly with the current warm daytime temperatures. 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
© NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources
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