High amounts of algae detected in Mildura’s irrigation supply

A water authority has issued an urgent warning to rural residents after high amounts of a toxic algae were detected. Read the latest.

A water authority is telling rural customers to isolate their water supply and ensure they have up to six weeks of supply available after “high levels” of blue-green algae were detected in the area.

Lower Murray Water made the announcement on Monday, confirming the algae had been detected in the district.

“High levels of blue-green algae have been detected in our irrigation channels within the Mildura Irrigation District,” they said.

High amounts of blue green algae have been detected in Mildura’s irrigation channels. Picture: Shonnie Jordan

“Rural customers are advised to isolate their supply immediately. Rural customers should ensure they have sufficient on-site storage capacity to maintain six weeks of domestic supply”

However, it also confirmed that drinking water was safe in town.

“The Mildura urban water supply remains unaffected and is safe to drink.”

According to health advice from the Victorian Department of Health, water contaminated with blue-green algae may not be safe for human consumption.

Doing so could cause gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and headaches.

It comes after people were warned to avoid a popular lake in Shepparton after blue-green algae was detected there earlier in January.

Lower Murray Water was contacted for further comment but is yet to respond.