A west-Launceston lake has been closed to recreational water users after a blue-green algal bloom was detected.
The bloom was discovered at Lake Trevallyn during routine testing this week, leading local councils to decide to shut the lake until further notice.
“At high concentrations, blue-green algae can impact public health and the environment. Algal blooms can make the water unsuitable for recreational activities such as boating, swimming or fishing,” local councils have warned.
“The First Basin currently remains open to recreational water users and the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program team will continue to test water quality in the Cataract Gorge over coming weeks in consultation with the City of Launceston.”
“Blue-green algae, which are a type of photosynthesising bacteria, occur naturally in our waterways and are almost always present in low concentrations.”
Despite the algal bloom, TasWater has confirmed that enhanced treatment measures are in place and that any drinking water sourced from Lake Trevallyn remains safe for consumption.
“The drinking water remains absolutely safe and we are continuing to monitor the situation,” TasWater Head of Water and Environment Services Fran Smith said.
“Our water treatment plant processes are designed to remove and eliminate any harmful compounds, including those from blue-green algae.”
The first recorded algal bloom in Lake Trevallyn was documented in the summer of 2006-07 and persisted until the end of the following season.
