WARNINGS for high levels of blue-green algae at Lake Boga are unlikely to be removed before the school holidays or Easter.
The warnings for Lake Boga and Lake Charm were first published by Goulburn-Murray Water on March 20, with warning signs positioned at formal recreational areas.
GMW water quality co-ordinator Bianca Atley said with blue-green algae warnings, the Victorian Government sets a maximum level considered safe for human health.
She said GMW then issues blue-green algae warnings when safe levels have been exceeded.
“GMW will remove the warning once levels decline significantly,” Ms Atley said.
“Recent blue-green algae samples at Lake Boga have shown that blue-green algae levels within the lake are still well above the amount considered safe for humans and animals.
“While it is not possible to know when warnings will be removed, this suggests the warning at Lake Boga is unlikely to be removed before the school holidays or Easter.”
The warnings haven’t stopped people from making the most of what’s left of the mild weather, with people still making a splash since the warning was issued.
The current warning at Lake Boga is the sixth warning issued at the storage since records began in 2004.
The average length warnings have lasted at Lake Boga is 143 days, with the longest lasting for 348 days.
Ms Atley warned people to take care around the water.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies 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.”
It is recommended that alternative supplies for stock drinking be used.
Stock, pets and other animals should be kept away from recently irrigated areas, and watering of edible garden plants should be avoided.
Lake Boga and Lake Charm remain open for any activities that do not involve direct contact with the water while the warning is in place.
Find out more at www.g-mwater.com.au/water-operations/bga.
