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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Pets, children warned: Lake Tuggeranong on algae alert

PET owners have been warned to not let their animals to swim in or drink  the water in Lake Tuggeranong, after Access Canberra issued a medium alert level for Tychonema algae for the lake. The Tuggeranong alert follows a similar one for Lake Ginninderra that was issued on November 1.

Pet owners urged to keep animals from Lake Ginninderra.
Pet owners urged to keep animals from Lake Tuggeranong.
The algae can make pets very ill or even result in death. This action has been taken in accordance with the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality following advice from ACT Health.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to Tychonema algae exposure as they are more likely to swallow water during recreation. Parents/guardians should monitor children closely and discourage submersion of the face or head to limit Tychonema algae exposure.

Where possible, people using this water for recreation should shower as soon as practicable after leaving the water to remove algae from the skin. Clothing or swimwear that has been in algae-affected water should also be thoroughly washed to remove any algae residue.

Water event organisers should ensure all participants are aware of the Tychonema algae alert level, the associated exposure risks and provide adequate shower facilities.

Algae levels can change quickly. Water users should look for algae warnings signs that indicate the current algae alert level. Warning signs are located at public access areas.

More information at environment.act.gov.au or from the Environment Protection Authority, through Access Canberra on 132281.

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Ian Meikle, editor

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