‘Putrid’: Flood water causing a stink in Murray Bridge

Dead rotting fish washed up on the banks of the swollen River Murray are causing a stink at Murray Bridge, with a foul odour engulfing the town.

Dead rotting fish washed up from the swollen river are causing a stink at Murray Bridge, with a foul odour engulfing the town.

Residents have taken to online groups to complain about the bad smell wafting across the town with locals describing the smell of the water as “sludgy” and “putrid”.

Dead fish washed up on Long Flat Road, Murray Bridge on January 20, 2023. Picture: Dylan Hogarth

Photos on the shores of the river and the edges of flooded-out flats show hundreds of dead fish on roadways, paddocks and in shallow pools of murky water.

Murray Bridge farmer Barry Pfeiffer – whose farm was completely inundated after a levee breach – said the water flooding the swaps had a “strong, distinct smell” and said it was “wafting” all around town.

While a blackwater event – where oxygen is depleted in the water – has not yet been declared in any part of South Australia, a PIRSA spokesman said a change in oxygen availability could be responsible for fish deaths.

“High levels of organic matter such as leaves and cropping material are washed off riverbanks and flood plains into waterways during high flow or flood events,” the spokesman said.

Joanne and Barry Pfeiffer say the smell of the flood water was that bad it was hard to be outside. Picture: Dylan Hogarth

“The breakdown of these organic materials can cause the water to have a darker colour and unpleasant smell.”

“Fish kills can be brought on by a variety of causes, including changes to environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and oxygen availability.

“To report aquatic mortality events please call the FISHWATCH 24 hour hotline on 1800 065 522 or your local Fisheries office.”

SA Health has no current water quality alerts for the River Murray and reported blackwater in the River Murray would pose no direct public health risk.

“In a small number of people, blackwater may cause skin irritation due to sensitivity to natural organic matter in the water,” SA Health advised.

“It is recommended not to drink water from the River Murray at any time unless it is treated.”

The Department for Environment and Water were contacted for comment.

Dead fish washed up at Murray Bridge on 20th January 2023. Picture: Dylan Hogarth