Blue-green algae levels have increased to amber alert at Telarah Lagoon and remain at high alert for Walka Water Works.
According to Maitland City Council’s Group Manager Planning and Environment, Matthew Prendergast, the current high temperatures and low flow rates at the sites are encouraging the blue-green algae to grow, posing a human health and environmental challenge.
“The potential exists for algal blooms to appear in a very short time period and caution must be taken using and entering non-flowing waterbodies,” he said.
“Once an algal bloom has developed, there isn’t a great deal authorities can do to reverse the situation except wait for a climatic change.
“Council will monitor the lagoons at Walka Water Works, Telarah and Rathluba for blue-green algae growth over the summer months.”
To help reduce the likelihood of growth this summer you can lessen the amount of nutrients going into local waterways by washing vehicles on the grass, cleaning gutters, and by applying fertilisers according to instructions.
Report suspected blue-green algal blooms in local waterways by emailing [email protected] with details and any available photos of the suspected bloom.
More stories:
