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Blue Green Algae Detected at Lake Narracan

Lake Narracan closed due to blue green algae.

By Portal Admin - 1st March 2020 - Back to News

Lake Narracan has been closed following the detection of blue green algae.

Warning signs have been erected at all public access points to Lake Narracan advising people to stop using the waterway until further notice. Users of the facility should seek to utilize alternative waterways in the region for activities such as swimming, skiing and windsurfing.

Blue green algae can cause skin allergies, eye irritations and gastric disorders.

Latrobe City Council conducts routine monitoring for blue green algae and has detected the bloom of potentially toxic algae which has prompted it to close the waterway to the public.

Blue green algae are naturally occurring organisms present in most waterways. Lake Narracan contains different types of algae at varying levels as part of the natural environment of the waterway.

Many factors can trigger a blue green algae bloom such as warm weather conditions, nutrient levels, low water inflows and low storage volumes.

The results of water samples have detected a bloom at various locations along the Lake Narracan foreshore. The level of algal growth now makes the waters unsuitable for recreational use.

Some green discolouration or odours can be expected and surface scums may affect some areas.

Latrobe City Council will continue to regularly monitor the water and liaise with other authorities.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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