Algae outbreak at Wurdee Boluc Reservoir

BARWON WATER has detected non-toxic species of blue-green algae in Wurdee Boluc reservoir above the guideline levels for recreational users.

Wurdee Boluc Reservoir is one the region’s major surface water storages in the Barwon River catchment, and supplies much of Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Department of Health have been notified in accordance with Victoria’s Blue-Green Algae Management Framework.

Barwon Water Chief Scientist Will Buchanan said the outbreak will likely continue into the new year.

“We are managing a naturally occurring blue-green algae bloom at Wurdee Boluc Reservoir that will likely continue through summer,” Mr Buchanan said.

The Department of Health states that algae can rapidly grow out of control, or “bloom,” when water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients for example, due to runoff containing fertilisers and sewage.

According to CSIRO contact with blue-green algae can be harmful and can cause skin and eye irritations, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps as well as death of livestock, domestic animals and wildlife.

Barwon Water says all water supplied remains safe to drink and continues to meet regulatory standards.

“The water is treated at the Wurdee Boluc Water Treatment plant prior to supply,” Mr Buchanan said.

“We are undertaking frequent water quality monitoring at the reservoir as part of our management response to the bloom.”

“Our customers can be assured that the drinking water supplied to their homes and businesses is treated to the highest quality in order to meet all health and safety guidelines and remains safe to drink.”

To meet summer demand Barwon Water have sourced additional water from the Moorabool system and the Melbourne-Geelong Pipeline.

There may be a change in taste to the water over the next few weeks, as Barwon Water makes changes to balance water storage levels across different catchments.