WaterNSW has issued a Red alert advisory for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae in the Lower Darling River at Pooncarie, Burtundy, Ellerslie, Tapio as well as 13 Km upstream of Pomona and at the Pomona boat ramp.
Updated results for the Lower Darling River at US Pomona (20 May) and Pomona at Boat ramp (13 May) again indicate a significant presence of non-toxic cyanobacteria.
Additionally, a potential toxic species was detected at the Darling River at US Pomona (4.05 mm3/L) on 20 May.
The Murray River at Buronga, Merbein, Fort Courage and Lock 8 are on Amber alert for blue-green algae.
Lake Victoria Outlet Regulator is on Amber alert.
The Great Darling Anabranch at the Silver City Highway crossing is on Amber alert for blue-green algae.
Drinking (filtered) water for Pooncarie, Wentworth, Dareton, Buronga and Gol Gol townships are all suitable for consumption.
The Pooncarie township drinking water is currently being sourced from groundwater and not the Darling River.
Please note that there is a dual water system, where garden taps have untreated water drawn from the river, for Menindee and Lower Darling River at Pooncarie.
Therefore livestock, pets and children should not be exposed to this water and that caution should be practiced if using the water for watering food crops and lawns.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/cyanobacteria-cyanophyta-algae-4469840/
