Just a week after WaterNSW released information on a red alert relating to blue-green algae at Burrendong Dam, a similar alert has been issued for Lake Windamere, near Mudgee.
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A red alert level warning indicates that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming, as well as domestic uses including showering and washing.
Contact with the water may also pose a threat to livestock and pets.
Algae samples collected downstream of the Lake Windamere area indicate that Cudgegong River has no algae alert.
The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact, and boiling the water does not remove algal toxins.
People are advised not to enter the water, drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the dam while this red alert level warning is in place.
Similar to the Burrendong outbreak, town water supplies in the area surrounding the lake remain unaffected and safe to drink.
Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is visible or algae is suspected.
People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Alert warning areas, and any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.
Regular monitoring will continue and the alert will be lifted as soon as the high levels of algae dissipate, and people who believe they may have been affected by blue-green algae are advised to seek medical advice.
As of Thursday afternoon, Burrendong Dam was still categorised as being on red alert.
