Water Week - Murray River system toxic, undrinkable for 500 km; boiling water will not remove dangers |
First 14 of 14 paragraphs shown Red alerts were issued for blue-green algae Murray between Hume and Moama;“potentially toxic” for 500 river kilometres, and also along the Edward River. The Murray Regional Algal Coordinating Committee warned of a red alert from - Murray River from Hume Reservoir to Moama; - the river at Swan Hill.; - for the Edward River from Deniliquin to Moulamein; and - Wakool River at Kyalite, as well as for the Mulwala Canal,. Don’t drink, swim or water stock: A red alert level warning indicates that waters are unsuitable for recreational use or primary contact by domestic users and may also pose a threat to livestock and domestic animals. Do you no good to boil it: 'Town water supply authorities are treating town water supplies with powdered activated carbon for both NSW and Victorian consumers; however, raw water drawn from these areas should be avoided for all purpose'. Dangers: "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 inactivate algal toxins," said Ms Ryan. Strong musty or earthy odour: Blue-green algae are usually very obvious, appearing as clumps or specs in the water and are often associated with a strong musty or earthy odour. Don’t eat the fish: Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scums are visible or blue-green algae are suspected. There is some evidence that small quantities of algal toxins may enter fish flesh when a bloom produces toxins. Any fish caught in water affected by a bloom should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. Sea food toxic: People should not eat mussels, crayfish or the internal organs of fish from red alert areas. Toxins might also taint fish flesh and when a bloom is toxic common sense indicates finfish should not be eaten'. ...Log in to read rest of Article or image. |