General News
26 January, 2023
Algae back at Laanecoorie
Goulburn-Murray Water this afternoon issued a blue green algae alert for Laanecoorie Reservoir. GMW is warning customers and the public to avoid direct contact with water at Laanecoorie Reservoir after high levels of blue-green algae were detected. In...
Goulburn-Murray Water this afternoon issued a blue green algae alert for Laanecoorie Reservoir.
GMW is warning customers and the public to avoid direct contact with water at Laanecoorie Reservoir after high levels of blue-green algae were detected.
In a statement, GMW said:
Warning signs will be positioned at formal recreational areas around the reservoir and will
remain in place while high levels of blue-green algae are present.
GMW Water Quality coordinator Bianca Atley said the reservoir would not be closed to the
public and visitors could still sightsee and enjoy other activities that did not involve direct
contact with the water.
“If people are near the water or on a boat, they should take care to avoid direct contact with
the water,” she said.
Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies and contain toxins harmful to humans, and
animals. Characteristic signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes, ears
and nose or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.
GMW recommends:
• People and pets avoid contact with the water
• People who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin
immediately in clean cold water
• Seeking an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible
• Do not use affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the
affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels, but GMW will
continue to monitor the situation.
Water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly
treated. Human consumption includes showering, bathing, washing, cooking, ice making,
and drinking.