Blue-green Algae - November 2011
This page provides a summary of significant blue-green algal blooms that occurred across Victoria in November 2011. For more detailed and up-to-date information on the blooms currently affecting the Gippsland Lakes, click here.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a common seasonal occurrence in Victoria and a natural component of most aquatic systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea. Many factors trigger blue-green algae blooms including nutrient loads, low inflows, low storage volumes and higher than normal temperatures.
Blue-green algae blooms are monitored regularly by water corporations and local waterway managers. When sampling and testing have confirmed the existence of blue-green algae, appropriate action is taken based on the use of the water body and the density and nature of the bloom.
The table below is a summary report of significant blooms that have occurred across the State in November. The trend is taken from the last sample report sent to Department of Sustainability and Environment during the month and the action is a summary of what has occurred. For more up to date information on a bloom, refer to the relevant Water Corporation's website.
| Drainage Basin | Location | Use | Trend | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campaspe | Lake Eppalock | Domestic & Stock, Drinking, Irrigation, Recreation | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Warning signs errected. Media release issued. |
| Loddon | Mysia Service Basin | Domestic | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Regular monitoring. |
| Loddon | Lockington Raw Water Storage | Domestic | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Regular monitoring. |
| South Gippsland | Candowie Reservoir | Domestic | ↑ | |
| Werribee | Melton Reservoir | Domestic & Stock, Drinking, Irrigation, Recreation | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Regular monitoring. |
| Glenelg | Lake Hamilton | Recreation | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Warning signs errected. Media release issued. |
| Yarra | Henley Golf Course Wonga Park | Ornamental Lake | ↑ | Stakeholder agencies notified. Regular monitoring. |
Trend
↔ = no change
↓ = blue-green algal cell counts and/or biovolumes decreasing
↑ = blue-green algal cell counts and/or biovolumes increasing