Blue green algal blooms detected in Townsville lakes

People have been warned to avoid coming into contact with water in Townsville lakes after blue green algal blooms were detected.

Residents have been advised to avoid direct contact with water in the lakes at Idalia and near CastleTown following detection of algal bloom in the system.

People have been warned to avoid coming into contact with water in the lakes near CastleTown and the Bunnings in Idalia after blue green algal blooms were detected.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the blooms were common and a natural occurrence at this time of year in tropical environments.

She said stormwater from the recent rain washed nutrients like lawn fertiliser, grass clipping and soil into the lakes.

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This mix of nutrients, coupled with the hot, still weather provided the perfect conditions for the algae to bloom.

Pets should be kept away from the water and fish caught in the lakes should not be eaten.

“Blue green algae can cause skin irritations and make pets sick if they drink the water,” Cr Hill said.

The council will continue to test the water and monitor the situation.

Originally published as Blue green algal blooms detected in Townsville lakes