Amber alert for blue-green algae at Clarrie Hall dam

TWEED Shire Council has issued an amber alert after detecting levels of blue-green algae in the Clarrie Hall dam.

The Council said its approach to the algae levels was always precautionary due to the instability of the algae multiplying.

Amber is level three on the four-level warning system, indicating the blue-green algae is reproducing, and the Council is advising extreme caution in the waterway.

Residents and visitors must adhere to the guidelines while the alert is active. This includes not consuming fish or shellfish from the dam and avoiding all recreational activities on the dam, such as kayaking.

Algae are a natural feature of freshwater and marine aquatic environments and are mostly harmless. Commonly referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that live in water and produce toxins that can pose risks to livestock and cause public health issues.

The Council also warns farmers and pet owners to not water animals and livestock with untreated water and to keep animals away from the dam or its upstream and downstream tributaries.

People should not drink untreated river, creek, or dam water at any time. If they come into contact with the algae, they should immediately rinse with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Affected water usually has a musty odour and may have a green, paint-like scum on the surface or edges or greenish clumps in the water.

WaterNSW tests for and notifies blue-green algal blooms in the shire’s river systems and storages. All alerts are issued by Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs) on local management of algal blooms.

Public signs remain at the dam wall and Crams Farm to inform the public of potential risks.

For information on blue-green algae’s current local levels and alerts, visit brnw.ch/21wPSn3.