GWMWater has advised recreational water users to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Lonsdale following the detection of elevated blue-green algae levels.

Visitors can still enjoy recreational activities such as boating, bushwalking, sightseeing and other activities at the lake that do not involve direct water contact.

Warning signs have been positioned at major recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place until blue-green algae levels drop below the threshold considered safe for recreational use.

GWMWater recommend:

• Avoiding all contact with affected water.

• Affected water not be used for cooking, drinking, washing/showering or any other domestic use. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe to use.

• If you come into contact with the affected water, you should immediately wash the area of skin exposed in clean water.  

• Those experiencing any health issues after being in contact with blue-green algae affected water should seek immediate medical advice.

Blue-green algae facts:

• Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can be dangerous to humans and animals.

• Characteristic signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.

• Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with blue-green algae affected water. •

Blooms are common in warmer months and quickly spread when there are nutrients in the water and low or no water inflows.  • Blue-green algal blooms may appear near the water’s edge discolouring the water. It may also have a strong musty or earthy smell.  

• It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels within the lake.

Anglers wanting more information can visit Victorian Fisheries Authority website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au and search on ‘blue-green algae’. 

GWMWater will continue to monitor the lake regularly and keep the community informed of any  changes regarding blue-green algae alerts through its disruption’s webpage at www.gwmwater.org.au/bga.