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All Current and Past Media Releases
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Media Release - Department of Natural Resources Tamworth: 11 May 2007 BARWON REGION WEEKLY ALGAL REPORT
Friday, 11th May, 2007
LOCATION: Chaffey Dam, Tamworth This Week: GREEN Last Week: GREEN Trend: No change
LOCATION: Copeton Dam, Inverell This Week: RED Last Week: RED Trend: No change
LOCATION: Keepit Dam, Gunnedah This Week: GREEN Last Week: GREEN Trend: No change
LOCATION: Pindari Dam, Ashford This Week: AMBER Last Week: AMBER Trend: No change
LOCATION: Split Rock Dam, Manilla This Week: GREEN Last Week: GREEN Trend: No change
LOCATION: Namoi River at Walgett This Week: AMBER Last Week: AMBER Trend: No change
COMMENTS: There have been no changes to blue-green algae alert levels this week. Concentrations of toxic blue-green algae in Copeton Dam remain in the red alert range. People should avoid activities where they may come into direct contact with the water at Copeton Dam due to the risks of skin and eye irritations. The highest numbers of algae are in the Sepoy and Wonulla Bay areas. Drinking untreated or boiled water from Copeton Dam could result in stomach upsets. Algal numbers in the Namoi River at Walgett and Pindari Dam are in the amber alert range. Drinking water supplies should be treated with activated carbon and alternative livestock drinking water supplies sought. Pindari, Keepit, Split Rock and Chaffey Dams are all suitable for fishing and water sports.
ALERT DEFINITIONS RED (HIGH) ALERT: Algae may be toxic to humans and animals. Contact with, or use of the water from a red algal alert area should be avoided. Alternative water supplies should be sought. People are advised not to enter high alert areas, or to drink untreated or boiled water from the waterbody because of the risk of eye and skin irritations and stomach upsets. People are advised not to consume mussels, crayfish or shrimp in high alert areas. People should not fish when algal scum is present. Dogs and stock are particularly at risk and owners should keep dogs away from red alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock.
MEDIUM (AMBER) ALERT: Blue-green algae may be multiplying and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. Alternative drinking and livestock water supplies should be sought. Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise quickly in warm, calm weather conditions to high alert levels.
LOW/NIL (GREEN) ALERT: Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers. At these concentrations, algae do not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.
This weekly report is based on the results from samples collected during routine monitoring. These alert levels at the time of sampling, however levels can change rapidly under favourable weather conditions.
For further information on blue-green algal blooms within the Barwon Region contact either the Tamworth Office on (02) 67019600, barwonrau@dnr.nsw.gov.au or the toll free blue-green algae information line on 1800 999 457.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Public Relations Officer Level 3, Noel Park House 155-157 Marius Street PO Box 550 TAMWORTH NSW 2340 Telephone (02) 67019662 Facsimile (02) 67019680
© NSW Department of Natural Resources
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