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Canberra Today 13°/17° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Algae closes part of lake

LAKE Burley Griffin at Weston Park East is closed to recreation as blue-green algae and bacteria levels reach “high alert”.

People are warned not to swim, dive, windsurf or take part in any recreation that involves whole-body contact or the submersion of the head in this part of the lake as exposure to the water has an increased risk of adverse health effects.

Secondary contact recreation, such as rowing, fishing, boating and canoeing, will still be permitted however people should be careful to limit any water exposure.

A “medium alert” for blue-green algae at West Basin is also in place. Although this site currently remains open, there is an increased risk for skin irritations and gastrointestinal illness in this area.

More information at www.nationalcapital.gov.au/lakequality

[box]ACT Health advice:
• The most common adverse health outcome associated with exposure to waters with high bacterial levels is enteric illnesses, such as self-limiting gastroenteritis
• Other adverse health affects such as respiratory illness, ear infections and skin and eye problems are also associated with recreational activities in water with high bacterial levels
• Symptoms of blue-green algae exposure may include skin/mucosa irritation, flu-like symptoms, and gastrointestinal illness
• Water users should shower after water contact
• Event organisers should ensure that participants are aware of the water quality alert level, associated exposure risks and provide adequate showering facilities for after events
• Water users should look for warning signs indicating the current alert level at major water entry points [/box]

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