Parks Victoria has confirmed that a blue-green algae bloom is currently affecting Lake Bolac.
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Warning signs have been installed at the lake and the public has been warned not to swim in, and to avoid any direct contact with, the blue-green algae affected water.
Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose, or if swallowed gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.
People who come into contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with blue-green algae affected water.
Any fish harvested from blue-green algae affected water should have gills and guts removed prior to cooking. People should not eat whole fish, shellfish or crustaceans collected from Lake Bolac.
The type of algae affecting Lake Bolac produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans, and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish.
Ingesting blue-green algae toxins can lead to serious illness.
Water from the affected water body should not be used for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use.
For any health issues experienced after contact with blue-green algae affected water please seek medical advice immediately.
Irrigators are encouraged to take extra care to avoid spray drift, the pooling of water and inhaling mist from blue-green algae affected water.
Affected water should not be sprayed onto leafy vegetables or florets, or allowed to flood pastures.
Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water.
Visitors to the area are advised that they can still enjoy other recreational activities such as bushwalking, boating and sightseeing around the water body.
Members of the public are asked to report any potential blue-green algae blooms to their local water manager.
Parks Victoria will continue to monitor conditions and will remove signage once the lake is safe for use.
More information about blue-green algae is available from the Department of Health and Human Services website.