By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM residents and visitors to the area are being warned to stay away from the Werribee River after Blue Green Algae (BGA) was detected.
Southern Rural Water warned people to avoid contact with any contaminated water and not to use it for domestic purposes.
Blue Green Algae can be dangerous to humans and animals. It can cause skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose, or if swallowed, gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.
“Water from Werribee Weir should not be used for drinking, cooking or domestic cleaning unless it has been properly treated. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use,” a Southern Rural Water spokesperson said.
“People who come into contact with the contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Do not eat any fish, shellfish or crustaceans collected from the area.
“Irrigators are being encouraged to take extra care to avoid spray drift, the pooling of water and inhaling mist from contaminated water. Contaminated water should not be sprayed onto leafy vegetables, florets or allowed to flood pastures.”
Farmers were encouraged to prevent stock access to potentially contaminated water and to monitor farm dams for signs of BGA contamination.
Pet owners were also encouraged to provide non-contaminated water to their pets.
Residents were asked to report any potential outbreaks of BGA to Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510.
