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Tweed Shire Council has issued a green alert for blue-green algae in the Oxley River after low algae levels were detected at the Tyalgum Weir.
Although a green alert means algae is present in low densities in the waterway, tap water across the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in.
Today, Council also downgraded its alert for Clarrie Hall Dam, with reduced algae levels recorded in the waterbody.
The amber alert for blue-green algae at the Bray Park Weir issued in October 2023 remains in place.
Council’s Water and Wastewater Operations manager Brie Jowett warned the community and visitors to stay clear of the affected waterways and not to eat fish caught from them.
“Council always takes a precautionary approach with blue-green algae and we are advising against any recreational activities that involve contact with the affected water,” Mrs Jowett said.
“If anyone comes into contact with the algae, we advise them to rinse it off with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.”
Scientists from the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre are testing the affected waterways twice a week.
Mrs Jowett said tap water throughout the Tweed remained safe to drink and bathe in despite the alerts.
“We source the Tweed’s tap water from the Oxley and Tweed rivers but our water treatment processes are robust,” she said.
“We remove blue-green algae from affected water when blooms occur, so our tap water remains perfectly safe to drink and bathe in.”
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 appear to have a green paint-like scum on the water or near the edges, or greenish clumps. It can have a musty odour.
Warning signs are being placed near the Oxley River at Tyalgum to inform the public of the presence of blue-green algae and any potential risk.
Warning signs remain along the Tweed River upstream of the Bray Park Weir.
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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