Water Management
Algal management in the southern basin of NSW
The Department supports three Regional Algal Coordinating Committees (RACCs) in the river valleys in the southern basin. They cover the Sunraysia, Murrumbidgee Valley and Murray Valley areas of New South Wales. These committees are made up of a number of agency representatives and provide holisitic and co ordinated response to algal blooms.
The Sunraysia RACC covers the River Murray (including its tributaries and lakes) between the confluence of the Murrumbidgee River and the South Australian border. It also covers the Darling River below Wilcannia including the Menindee Lakes.
The Murrumbidgee RACC covers the Murrumbidgee River and its tributaries to it confluence with the River Murray. The area of the Murrumbidgee RACC excludes the ACT. Water storages within the RACC area include the Yass, Hay Maude, Redbank and Balranald Weir; the Snowy Mountains Scheme dams; Burrinjuck Dam; Blowering Dam and Tombullen off river re-regulation storage.
The Murray RACC covers the River Murray and its NSW tributaries and NSW lakes from the Hume Dam in Albury to the junction of the Murrumbidgee River. Major storages and waterways in the area include the Hume Dam, Lake Mulwala, Edward River, Wakool River and Billabong Creek. Both the Murray and Sunraysia RACCs are cross border committees including agencies in both NSW and Victoria.
Southern basin algae reports
Lower Murray–Darling Catchment health report card Algal bloom alerts 2005/2006 (PDF 908KB)
Lower Murray–Darling Catchment health report card Algal bloom alerts 2006/2007 (PDF 879KB)
Blue Green Algae in the Murray River: Questions and Answers 11 May 2009
What is the current situation?
All red-alerts for blue green algae in the Murray have now been downgraded.
Current information on the status of the bloom can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
What is being done?
The Murray and Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committees are continuing to monitor the water and are advising the public as soon as new information becomes available.
Can I use water from the Murray River in the home?
Untreated river water should never be used for human consumption. Boiling the water will not neutralise the algal toxins. Water subject to a red alert is unsuitable for domestic purposes, such as bathing and showering.
Are town water supplies safe to drink?
Town water suppliers have treatment systems in place to manage risks from blue-green algal toxins to town drinking water supplies. Town drinking water supplies along the Murray River remain safe to drink. If you have any concerns about the quality of your mains drinking water supply, contact your local water authority (Victoria) or your local council (New South Wales).
Is it safe for pets and other animals to access water from the Murray River?
Blue-green algal levels in the Murray are now low enough not to pose a risk to dogs and other pets entering the water or drinking from it. Concentrations also no longer exceed the NSW interim livestock drinking water guidelines.
Can I eat fish, mussels or crayfish from affected areas of the Murray River?
People should not eat mussels or crayfish from affected areas of the Murray River. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.
Further information:
Information updates about the blue-green algae bloom in the Murray River can be obtained from the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457.
Further information can also be obtained from:
- Department of Water and Energy's website at www.dwe.nsw.gov.au
- Goulburn Murray Water's website at www.g-mwater.com.au
- Lower Murray Water’s website at www.lmw.vic.gov.au
- Victorian Department of Human Services on 1300 761 874.
- NSW Public Health Unit on 02 608 08900