The Northern Rivers Times
October 26, 2023
14 NEWS
Amber alert for blue-green algae at Bray Park Weir Tweed Shire Council has issued an amber alert for blue-green algae in the Tweed River at Bray Park Weir, however, tap water across the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in. Manager Water and Wastewater Operations Brie Jowett said the amber alert meant blue-green algae might be multiplying in the affected waterway. “Bray Park Weir is the source of water for the Bray Park Water
Blue-green algae alert tile.
Treatment Plant, the
potential risk, warning signs are being placed along the Tweed River near Bray Park including Byangum Bridge.
plant that supplies drinking water for most of the Tweed,” Mrs Jowett said. “Testing by the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre found no evidence in the Bray Park Weir pool of the
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algal species capable of
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To inform the public
producing toxin. “Even if this species
such as swimming or kayaking,” Mrs Jowett said. “Do not eat fish or shellfish from the
reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water, when it is warm and sunny, and the water is nutrient-rich.
Tap water in the Tweed remains safe Signs remain in place at Clarrie Hall Dam wall and Crams Farm. Mrs Jowett said Council was taking a precautionary approach
waterways and keep animals away. “Please remember, never drink untreated river water at any time. “During the bloom, do
Affected water may appear to have a green, paint-like scum on the water, near the edges or greenish clumps
was there, Council’s water treatment processes are very robust. We remove blue-green algae from the water when blooms occur so our water would remain perfectly safe to drink.” Further upstream at Clarrie Hall Dam, a green alert for blue-green algae remains in place, issued on 30 November 2022. A green alert means algae is present in low densities in the dam. Council is continuing to monitor the situation and is testing twice a week at the dam, Bray Park Weir and Tweed River at Uki while ensuring water is treated appropriately for the conditions. of the presence of blue-green algae and any
Council has issued an amber alert for blue-green algae at Bray Park Weir (pictured on 17 October 2023). Tap water across the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in.
and advising against recreational activities in the Tweed River upstream of Bray Park Weir. “At this time, we advise people not to touch water in the affected waterways, including recreational activities
not water livestock with untreated river water upstream of the weir. If you come into contact with the algae, rinse it off with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.” Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can
throughout the water and can have a musty odour. Go to tweed.nsw.gov. au/waterandwastewater for the latest information. For more information on blue-green algae, visit waternsw.com.au/waterquality/algae.