Wentworth weir pool red alert remains as flush starts

The weir pool is covered by an algal red alert in place from the Menindee lakes to the Murray River. Concentrations of potentially toxic blue-green algal levels in the weir pool are among the highest in the region, and the community is advised that people, pets and livestock should not come into physical contact with the water or use it for domestic purposes while the red alert remains in place.

On 29 May the NSW Government commenced a connectivity trial involving the release of environmental water from the upper Menindee Lakes through the Lower Darling-Baaka River to help clear the current bloom of naturally occurring blue-green algae. The environmental flush involves moving water along a 500 km stretch of the river which is expected to reach the bottom of the system in about a week.

Read the NSW Government's media statement on the flush.

The situation is likely to be changing regularly as water monitoring test results are received and WaterNSW is advising the community to check the WaterNSW website for the most current information: Algae Alerts NSW map - WaterNSW

Where a red alert is in place untreated river water should be considered unsuitable for potable use and alternative sources for domestic purposes is strongly recommended. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins.

As algal numbers can change dramatically with changes in conditions, water users should avoid water which is discoloured or gives off an earthy or musty odour. WaterNSW will continue routine water quality monitoring and advise of any change as new results are received.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when there is abundant sunlight and sufficient nutrients.