Wyangala Waters Holiday Park manager James Armstrong labelled the Water Department’s media release on November 30, regarding an alert for blue-green algae, as non inclusive, and says it’s business as usual at the Holiday Parks.
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While there is a blue-green algae red alert at Wyangala Dam, Mr Armstrong ensures the Grabine Lakeside and Wyangala Dam Holiday Parks are unaffected and states areas that are contaminated are “way past Grabine”.
“The media release is not very inclusive,” James Armstrong said.
“The algal alerts are up the Lachlan River arm of the dam but because that’s classified as a part of Wyangala Dam I think it’s confusing a few people. It’s not the case.
“We are losing bookings due to the miss communication and rumours,” he said.
The alert was issued on November 30 stating that “people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming, as well as domestic uses including showering and washing.”
Mr Armstrong also made it clear to the Cowra Guardian that the Holiday Parks’ water supply isn’t contaminated, despite it coming from Wyangala Waters.
“The pipe runs so deep it’s not polluted by any blue-green algae, it sits atop of the surface,” Mr Armstrong said.
“It’s very busy at the moment with skiers, fisherman and people on family holidays. This shouldn’t be causing any disruption.”
The red alert samples came from two sites at Wyangala Dam – Wyangala Lachlan Arm stations three and four.
The Water Department say it’s not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels. Town water supplies remain unaffected and safe to drink.
Blue-Green Algae facts
The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins.
Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water. It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and generally has a strong musty or earthy odour.
Blue-green algae occur naturally and can reproduce quickly in favourable conditions where there is still or slow-flowing water, abundant sunlight and sufficient levels of nutrients.
For updates on the status of the blue-green algae warning go to www.water.nsw.gov.au.
