Red Alert issued for blue-green algae at Bray Park Weir

Recent sampling of the water in Bray Park Weir near Murwillumbah has indicated an increased presence of blue-green algae in the Weirpool.

The levels are sufficient for a red alert status for the Bray Park Weir which has just been issued by the North Coast Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committee in conjunction with Tweed Shire Council.

Council extracts water just upstream from Bray Park Weir for the majority of Tweed Shire’s public water supply.

Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) dosing has commenced at the Water Treatment Plant to ensure the safety of the water supply.

Tweed Shire Council said sampling at the plant indicates the council is effectively removing taste and odour associated with the affects of blue-green algae.

Due to continuing dry weather, Tweed Shire Council will be releasing water from yesterday from Clarrie Hall Dam to maintain a consistent water supply in the river. This is the first release of water to maintain water supply in two years.

Clarrie Hall Dam also has a presence of blue-green algae which will possibly affect the water in the area in the Tweed River between the Doon Doon Creek junction through Uki to the Bray Park Weirpool.

Council’s Manager Water Anthony Burnham said there was also potential for harmful effects of blue-green algae for residents who came into contact with water within this section of the river.

“Members of the community who use this section of the river for recreation should be aware that contact with the affected water could result in skin rashes and eye and ear irritations,” Mr Burnham said.

“Ingesting the water can lead to diarrhoea and long-term health problems. Asthma attacks can also be brought on by contact with blue-green algae.”

Tweed Shire Council says it is monitoring the situation very closely with regular sampling and analysis of the affected water and asks that the public heed the warning signs put up by the council.

Sampling to date indicates no toxins in the algae, the council said.

Related posts:

1. Red alert for blue-green algae for Clarrie Hall Dam
2. Tweed weir removal results in improved fishing
3. Green Corp to restore Richmond River catchment
4. Bangalow’s Railway Park toilets closed for upgrade
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Related posts:

1. Red alert for blue-green algae for Clarrie Hall Dam
2. Tweed weir removal results in improved fishing
3. Green Corp to restore Richmond River catchment
4. Bangalow’s Railway Park toilets closed for upgrade
5. New Tweed Heads Skate Park already a big hit