Burrendong Dam: WaterNSW issue blue-green algae alert

Visitors to one of Dubbo’s most popular water recreations spots have been warned to avoid swimming and other water sports due to high levels of potentially toxic algae.

General view of the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

Visitors to one of Dubbo’s most popular water recreations spots, Burrendong Dam, have been warned to avoid swimming and other water sports due to high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

A ‘Red Alert’ was issued by WaterNSW on Thursday for Burrendong Dam and the Macquarie River downstream of Burrendong Dam, based on visual observations and satellite imagery.

Visitors are advised to avoid recreational activities, including waterskiing, fishing, swimming, and canoeing while the alert is in place.

Danny Ryan, who went swimming at Burrendong Dam on Tuesday unaware of the ‘Red Alert’, said the water looked “very green”.

“There were still a lot of people in the water swimming and enjoying themselves,” he said.

Burrendong Dam is a popular getaway for Central West locals, gathering hundreds of people during the summer period.

The alert was issued by WaterNSW on December 22.

“It’s unfortunate, but my friends and I were still in the water as we don’t get much of a chance to come here too often during the year,” Mr Ryan said.

“We’re mainly in the boat so I was only in the water for a minimal amount of time while I was waterskiing.”

The WaterNSW advisory states consumption of the algae may cause gastroenteritis, while contact may cause skin and eye irritations.

Mr Ryan said he had not noticed any symptoms while other swimmers have experienced subtle skin irritation.