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Avoid Lake Guyatt in Sale as blue-green algae in season urged by Wellington Shire Council

Wellington Shire Council is urging the public to avoid coming into contact with the water in Lake Guyatt in Sale, due to a blue-green algae bloom.

By news@gippsland - 14th January 2022 - Back to News

People and their pets should avoid contact with the water. If contact is made with the water, people should wash themselves or their pets thoroughly with fresh water. Testing of the water in Lake Guyatt has today confirmed the presence of blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria found in many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, it can multiply a lot in the summer, which causes extensive growths called blooms that can cause illness and deaths of livestock and wildlife when injested

Ensuring community safety

Council has installed warning signs advising people of the risks associated with the algal bloom. The signs will remain in place until further tests determine that algal numbers are once again safe in the lake.

Blue-green algae occur naturally and can reproduce in favourable conditions where there is still, slow-flowing or low water levels, abundant sunlight and sufficient levels of nutrients. Some species of blue-green algae produce harmful toxins which can cause illness. Council will continue to monitor the health of Lake Guyatt and conduct regular water tests.

Anyone experiencing ill health effects following contact with the water in Lake Guyatt should seek advice from a health professional. For more information or advice contact Council's Environmental Health team on 1300 366 244.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com