COMMUNITY members are advised to avoid contact with waterholes in Drysdale and Newtown after high levels of blue-green algae were detected during routine monitoring.<\/p>\n
The waterhole at Zillah Crawcour Park in Newtown and the large lake at McLeods Waterhole in Drysdale have been affected.<\/p>\n
Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is present in most waterways and under the right conditions, including warm weather, it can grow rapidly and form blooms.<\/p>\n
These blooms often have a pungent smell, may vary in colour from dark green to yellowish brown and turn surrounding water green.<\/p>\n
In large quantities, blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals and contact with affected waterways may cause skin irritation, hay fever-like symptoms and mild respiratory effects.<\/p>\n
If ingested, these toxins may cause gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches.<\/p>\n
The City of Greater Geelong will install warning signs at the affected waterways in the coming days.<\/p>\n
“Blue-green algae is a naturally occurring organism and blooms can persist for several weeks or longer depending on environmental factors including nutrients, weather, flow conditions and sunlight,” acting chief executive Tennille Bradley said.<\/p>\n
“We advise community members and their pets to avoid contact with the contaminated water and should not eat fish from affected waterways.<\/p>\n
“If skin contact should accidentally occur, wash immediately in fresh water and seek medical help if experiencing a reaction.”<\/p>\n
Pets who come into contact with blooms should also be washed thoroughly with fresh water to ensure they do not ingest the algae while grooming.<\/p>\n
For any enquiries about blue-green algae, phone the City on 5272 5272.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COMMUNITY members are advised to avoid contact with waterholes in Drysdale and Newtown after high levels of blue-green algae were detected during routine monitoring. The waterhole at Zillah Crawcour Park in Newtown and the large lake at McLeods Waterhole in Drysdale have been affected. Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is present in […]<\/p>\n