Blue green algae is making the rounds lately.

NSW Water have issued red alerts for the Darling River at Wilcannia and the Darling River at Caulpaulin.

NSW Water has also issues amber alerts for the following areas:

Darling River at Menindee Weir, Menindee Lakes at Lake Wetherell Site 4, Menindee Lakes - Cawndilla Outlet, Menindee Lake at Lake Wetherell Station 3, Darling River at Tolarno, Darling River at Trevallyn, Barwon River at Collarenebri, Yanga Lake at Regatta Beach, Murrumbidgee River at Maude weir Buoy.

Alert Definitions

RED ALERT These alert levels represent 'bloom' conditions.

Water will appear green or discoloured and clumps or scums could be visible.

It can also give off a strong musty or organic odour.

Algae may be toxic to humans and animals.

Contact with or use of water from red alert areas should be avoided due to the risk of eye and skin irritation.

Drinking untreated or boiled water from these supplies can cause stomach upsets.

Alternative water supplies should be sought or activated carbon treatment employed to remove toxins.

People should not fish when an algal scum is present.

Owners should keep dogs away from high alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock.

AMBER ALERT

Blue-green algae may be multiplying, and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour.

The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered.

The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering.

Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise to red alert levels quickly under warm, calm weather conditions.

GREEN ALERT

Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers.

At these concentrations, algae would not normally be visible, however some species may affect taste and odour of water even at low numbers and does not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.

Alerts are declared where algal cell numbers exceed the triggers identified in the Guidelines for Managing Risk in Recreational Waters.

NSW Health advises that any domestic use (including drinking) of surface water without appropriate treatment should be avoided at all times.

For more information, visit NSW Water's website:

https://www.waternsw.com.au/water-services/water-quality/algae-alerts#:~:text=The%20algal%20information%20line%20on,algae%20bloom%20please%20notify%20us.