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BLUE-GREEN ALGAL ALERT FOR BOMBAH BROADWATER


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3 February 2012

BLUE-GREEN ALGAL ALERT FOR BOMBAH BROADWATER –

MYALL LAKES

The Hunter Regional Algal Coordinating Committee today issued a high level blue-green algal alert for

the Bombah Broadwater foreshore, Bombah Point and lower Myall River above Tea Gardens – Myall

Lakes.

Recent sampling has found that algae numbers are in the high range and are a potential health risk to

people.

People should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with

the water such as swimming or water skiing, as well as domestic uses including showering and

washing.

Blue-green algae can be blown around the lake with the prevailing wind conditions and people are

advised to avoid areas where algae is obvious, as areas affected can change rapidly.

Blue-green algae appears as green paint-like scums on the water and foreshore edges or clumps

throughout the water and usually has a strong earthy odour. This makes the water appear dirty, green

or discoloured.

Warning signs are being erected in the affected areas.

Blue-green algae may cause severe stomach upsets, nausea and skin irritation in people.

Blue-green algae may contain toxins - boiling the water does not remove the toxins produced by the

algae.

Common sense would suggest not to consume fish caught in water affected by a bloom. There is

some evidence that small quantities of algal toxins may enter fish flesh when a bloom produces toxins.

Any fish caught in water affected by a bloom should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in

uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.

People should not eat mussels, crayfish or the internal organs of fish from high level blue-green algae

alert areas.

The Hunter New England Area Health Service advises people who believe they may have been

affected by the algae to seek medical treatment.

Myall Lakes National Park remains open and other recreational activities are unaffected.

The bloom is concentrated on the western foreshore of the Broadwater and further sampling by Hunter

RACC will be undertaken to determine the extent of the bloom and advise the public as the situation

changes.

Information updates about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained from

the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or visit

- www.water.nsw.gov.au

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