With 800 KM Of Murray River Already In Bloom, Gov. Warns Against Further Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks

The NSW Government says there could be further outbreaks of blue green algae along the Murray River on top of a current plume stretching about 800 kilometres.

Water Minister Philip Costa said the major plume, between Albury and west of Swan Hill, in north-west Victoria, had been classified as "red alert" and was potentially toxic. People should avoid contact with the water in some regions, he said. But Mr Costa urged those heading to the Murray for a holiday not to alter their plans.

"People shouldn't be cancelling their holidays. It's a case of being alert but not alarmed," he said today. He said it was anticipated the bloom would dissipate with the onset of cooler autumn weather. But in the meantime further outbreaks might occur.

"You could get another algae bloom further west," Mr Costa told reporters in Sydney. "The conditions are that the river is at a very low flow rate and the temperatures are high, perfect conditions for the algal bloom to grow." Warning signs at key sites along the affected stretch of the Murray River advise the public not to come in contact with the water.

EDIT

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/water-issues/further-algae-outbreaks-on-the-murray-possible-20090408-a0kl.html