Blue-green algae outbreak forces the temporary closure of Barwon River

Testing in two areas of the Barwon River returned high levels of blue-green algae, forcing a stretch in Geelong to be shut.

Barwon River is closed due to high levels of Blue Green Algae. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Barwon River has been closed temporarily due to an outbreak of toxic algae.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (Corangamite CMA) announced the closure on Friday, after water testing showed high levels of blue-green algae in multiple parts of the river.

The closure means users of the river are strongly advised to avoid physical contact with it, due to potential health risk posed by the algae.

The authority said the outbreak was due to a combination of hot weather, low water flows and high nutrient levels in the river.

Barwon River is closed due to high levels of blue green algae. Picture: Mark Wilson

The testing, which took place on Wednesday, returned high levels of the algae in two separate locations.

Extremely high readings were sampled at Fyans Park, Newtown, and Queens Park bridge.

Visual observations show an extremely strong green colour from the Shannon Ave bridge all the way upstream to about Baum Weir.

Warning signs have been placed along the affected stretches to notify the public.

According to the Department of Health, some species of blue-green algae produce harmful toxins which can take effect when eaten, inhaled or through skin contact.

These toxins can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headaches and hayfever-like symptoms.

Blue-green algae toxins are colourless and odourless and can remain at dangerous levels in water even after blooms have disappeared.

It is also advised that people should avoid any shellfish or fish caught in the river over the past two days.

People are also urged to keep their pets away from the water, as they can also be affected.

Anyone experiencing a reaction is urged to seek medical help.

The closure is in effect for the whole of the part of the river controlled by Corangamite CMA, which stretches from Queen’s Park through to Gundog Lane.

The Corangamite CMA said it would notify the public when conditions changed and the river was safe to be reopened.

In 2020, the Barwon River was closed for over a week due to a similar outbreak.

Originally published as Blue-green algae outbreak forces the temporary closure of Barwon River