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Tap water across the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in despite Tweed Shire Council today raising the blue-green algae alert for Clarrie Hall Dam to amber.
The amber alert means blue-green algae may be multiplying, prompting Council to continue to warn against recreational activities on the dam.
Council’s Manager Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said testing by the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre had found evidence of the algal species capable of producing toxin.
“Most of the Tweed’s tap water is currently being drawn from the Tweed River at Bray Park Weir,” Mrs Jowett said.
“While the dam is currently spilling, the river flow over the weir is healthy, minimising the likelihood of a potential algae alert for the weir at this time.
“In any case, Council’s water treatment processes are very robust - we remove blue-green algae from the water whenever blooms occur.
“This makes our tap water safe for drinking and pleasant-tasting even when there are algal blooms.”
A blue-green algae alert has been in place for Clarrie Hall Dam since 30 November 2022, when Council issued a green alert.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when it is warm and sunny, and the water is nutrient-rich.
Affected water may have a green tinge and a musty or organic odour.
Mrs Jowett said whenever blue-green algae is detected, Council takes a precautionary approach and restricts recreational activities in affected water.
“At this time, we maintain our advice to avoid recreational activities on the dam, including kayaking,” she said.
“Do not eat fish including shellfish from the dam and never drink untreated dam or river water at any time.
“Because water in the dam and its upstream and downstream tributaries potentially could be unsafe to livestock, keep animals away and do not water livestock with untreated water.
“If you come into contact with the algae, rinse it off with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.”
Warning signs remain in place at the dam wall and Crams Farm, informing the public of the presence of blue-green algae and any potential risks.
Council is continuing to test water from the dam and the Tweed River at Uki twice a week to monitor the algal bloom.
Monitoring at other sites where Council sources tap water will continue weekly.
For the latest, visit Council's website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/waterandwastewater.
For more information on blue-green algae, visit waternsw.com.au/water-quality/algae.
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