Algae alert for local lagoon

A BLUE-Green algae waning has been issued by Goulburn-Murray Water for Hepburn Lagoon at Blampied.

The alert means that people and animals should avoid direct contact with the water in the lagoon as high levels of the algae can be toxic.

Exposure can include itchiness and rashes, soreness in the eyes, nose and mouth as well as nausea and vomiting.

“If people are near the water or on a boat, they should take care to avoid direct contact with the water,” said Bianca Atley, GMW water quality coordinator.

Signs have been installed at the entrance to Hepburn Lagoon and Ms Atley said sightseeing and other activities at the waterbody were okay.

In a statement Goulburn-Murray Water said if people or animals come in contact with water in the lagoon to wash with clean cold water immediately and that boiling the water containing blue-green algae would not make it safe to clean or cook with.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and the water authority could not provide a timeframe on when Hepburn Lagoon would be safe.

The Hepburn Lagoon was closed in spring last year due to high water levels.

A similar blue-green algae alert has also been issued for Tullaroop Reservoir north of Clunes.