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Darling River flush pulse complete today

June 19, 2024 6:46 am in by

The NSW Government flush of 45GL from the upper Menindee Lakes through the Lower Darling­ River commenced on 29 May to help clear the current infestation of blue-green algae impacting local communities.

Releases for the pulse will be complete today, Wednesday 19 June.

In addition to river water quality monitoring, The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water were requesting daily images from landowners along the Darling River to assist with confirming the effectiveness of the flush trial and aid in the reporting of daily water quality testing.

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For more information, view the community update and WaterNSW Media Release below or https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/environmental-water-management-in-nsw/what-we-are-working-on-now/river-connectivity/northern-to-southern-basin-environmental-flow-protection-trial

The red alert warnings for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae have been lifted at four key sites on the Lower Darling River: Tolarno, Ellerslie, Pooncarie and Burtundy.

All four sites are now on amber alert.

The alerts were lifted following two consecutive laboratory algal reports which indicate that the sites were no longer on red alert for blue-green algae.

While on amber alert, the water is generally considered to be suitable for water sports, but water users are advised to exercise caution.

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It is also advised not to drink untreated or boiled water from the affected area due to the risk of stomach upsets. Boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins.

The water should be considered unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered.

Further details can be found at https://www.waternsw.com.au/water-services/water-quality/algae-alerts

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/cyanobacteria-cyanophyta-algae-4469840/

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