Blue green algae alert issued for Lake Ainsworth
The North Coast Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committee has issued a blue green algae ‘red alert’ for Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head.
Committee spokesperson Brian Dodd said blue-green algae have bloomed in Lake Ainsworth and the latest information indicates that the algae levels have increased since last week’s sampling.
“Accordingly the Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committee, in conjunction with Ballina Council, wish to advise people who use Lake Ainsworth for recreation to be aware of the situation,” he said.
Warning signs have been positioned around the Lake and will remain until the bloom subsides.
Algae may be visible on the water surface or at the edge as a green scum but people should be aware that should the surface of the Lake be disturbed by wind, the algae may be difficult to see.
“It is important for people to know that contact with the affected water could result in skin rashes, eye and/or ear irritations,” Mr Dodd said.
“Ingesting the water can lead to diarrhoea and long-term health problems.
“Asthma attacks can also be brought on by contact with blue-green algae.”
All pets should be kept out of the water as the potential harmful effects of blue-green algae can cause death in animals.
“We would also like to remind people that domestic pets are prohibited to be in the waters of Lake Ainsworth,” Mr Dodd said.
Ballina Council is regularly monitoring the situation and asks that the public heed the warning signs.
The current status of the lake is updated on Council’s web site, www.ballina.nsw.gov.au as information comes to hand.
The latest status of blue-green algae alerts can be obtained from the Department of Water and Energy’s freecall Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
Additional information regarding blue-green algae is available on the Department of Water and Energy website http://www.dwe.nsw.gov.au/
