There is a blue-green algae warning for Lake Eildon.
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A blue-green algae warning has been issued for Lake Eildon, with authorities urging people to avoid direct contact with the water.
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Goulburn-Murray Water detected high levels of blue-green algae after monitoring, and has positioned warning signs at formal recreational areas around the lake.
The lake will remain open, but it is recommended that only activities that do not involved human direct contact with the water are undertaken.
G-MW water quality co-ordinator Bianca Atley said the algae posed risks to both humans and animals, and advised visitors to take precautions, especially when boating.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally in water bodies but contain toxins harmful to humans and animals,” she said.
“Contact with it can cause rashes, sore eyes, ears and nose, or, if swallowed, nausea or vomiting. It is therefore important for people boating or enjoying activities near the water to take extra precautions.”
G-MW warns people and pets to avoid water, wash immediately if contact occurs, seek alternative water supply for drinking, washing and cooking, and notes that boiling affected water does not make it safe.
Ms Atley said the warning reflected a significant spike in algae levels.
“This warning has been issued after G-MW storage staff observed significant increases in blue-green algae levels across Lake Eildon,” she said.
“It’s important to keep in mind that blue-green algae are natural, unpredictable and their levels can change very quickly.
“There is no one factor that G-MW can pinpoint as the cause of high levels of blue-green algae at one of its storages or waterways, including Lake Eildon.”
Monitoring will continue, and the warning will remain in place until levels are safe.
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