Blue-green algae detected at lake

THE public is being warned to avoid contact with water from Lake Eppalock following the recent detection of high levels of blue-green algae.

A popular recreation and swimming area, warning signs have been put up around the lake to remind people of the dangers and suggest they don’t get into the water.

Goulburn-Murray Water quality coordinator Bianca Atley said the area will still be open to the public for sightseeing and other activities, but people need to be careful when close to the lake.

“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 are a natural and common occurrence and can be harmful to humans and animals.

Contact with, or the ingestion of, contaminated water can lead to skin irritation, eye and nose soreness, earaches, nausea, and vomiting.

If you do come in contact with algae, the best advice from authorities is to wash the area as soon as possible with cold clean water.

Experts also say it’s also important to keep pets away from blue-green algae and to find an alternate water supply if Lake Eppalock is a usual pet walking area.

There is no estimated time frame on how long the algae will remain in the lake and GMH staff will continue to monitor the water conditions.