Algae to force lake closure

A BLUE-GREEN algae outbreak will keep the Torrens Lake closed as people flock to the area for tomorrow's final stage of the Tour Down Under.

A BLUE-GREEN algae outbreak will keep the Torrens Lake closed as people flock to the area for tomorrow's final stage of the Tour Down Under.

Signs were posted around the lake yesterday to warn against coming into contact with the water.

The lake will remain closed between Hackney Rd and the weir until water testing shows levels have dropped below recommended water quality guidelines.

An Adelaide City Council spokeswoman said it will not effect events surrounding tomorrow's Tour Down Under stage.

"It's unfortunate timing and of course we would have preferred to have kept it open but we had to close it in the interest of public health and safety," the spokeswoman said.

"Blue-green algae often develops in slow-flowing waterways with high nutrient levels, especially in extended periods of high temperatures."

All rowing and paddle boats have been shut until levels return to normal, but the Popeye and Adelaide Gondola services will still run.

Further tests will be conducted on Monday to see if algae levels are reducing.

Businesses along the Torrens said the closure was expected after similar measures in previous summers.

The lake was closed in February last year after algal levels increased - again because of hot weather.

The State Government announced last year a $1.2 million trial to control Torrens Lake blue-green algal blooms in the lake.

The plan included increasing the flow of water through the lake to improve water quality.

Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Paul Caica said at the time the flow would help improve the health of the waterway and enhance development in the area.