Flood and smelly blackwater warnings for River Murray
DEAD fish are expected to line the River Murray and people are warned of possible skin irritations as the iconic waterway becomes awash with foul-smelling “blackwater” in the coming weeks.
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DEAD fish are expected to line the River Murray as the waterway becomes awash with foul-smelling “blackwater” in the coming weeks.
The Environment Department has stressed while there are no health risks with blackwater, some people may be suffer minor skin irritations if they come into contact with it.
Blackwater is a natural event which can occur after heavy rainfall flushes leaves and wood from floodplains into waterways, resulting in low oxygen levels.
The department is warning residents and visitors not to eat dead or distressed fish and crustaceans as a result of the sudden drop in oxygen.
The report was likely to come as a blow to Riverland businesses which feared recent high water levels in the Murray would keep tourists away.
The department’s water resource manager, Jarrod Eaton, said while dead fish in the river is a concern, blackwater brings major improvements to the long-term health of the waterway.
“The extra carbon entering the food web increases the zooplankton and macroinvertebrate
communities, which is a food source for fish,” Mr Eaton said.
“A high flowing River Murray is a beautiful sight that offers a fantastic experience for South
Australians this summer, but people should seek local advice and always put safety first.”
Blackwater was currently affecting parts of the Murray in New South Wales and Victoria and was making its way down stream and would affect the main channel of the waterway and backwaters.
The alert comes as the SES issues another flood warning to property owners along the river, threatening shack areas between Cadell and Mannum.
Areas most likely to be affected by minor flooding included Morgan, Brenda Park, Scotts Creek, Walker Flat and Bowhill.
The SES advices shack owners in these areas to follow their Emergency Flood Plan and prepare for flooding by moving items of value to a safe place and stay away from river banks.
Flows into SA are currently at 61 GL/day and will increase to around 70 GL/day over the next week. They are expected to remain high into December.
For current flood warnings, visit alert.sa.gov.au. To report dead or distressed fish contact the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.