Further information about blue-green algae is available from the Water and Catchments Group website or by calling 136 186.

Information on Health effects of Blue-green algae are available from Victorian Dept of Health website or by calling 1300 761 874 during business hours.

For enquiries about specific waterways it is best to contact the right agency.

BGA are naturally occurring organisms that live in waterbodies. Under certain conditions BGA multiply and create an algae bloom. Permanent signage has been installed at the following waterbodies to inform the public that they frequently contain BGA during the warmer months of the year.

• Balyang Sanctuary, Newtown
• Blue Waters Lake, Ocean Grove
• Cowies Creek-Wetland, Lovely Banks
• Eastern Park Lake, Geelong
• Gateway Sanctuary, Leopold
• Grinter Reserve wetland, Moolap
• Hovells Creek, Lara
• Lake Lorne, Drysdale
• Lara Lakes, Lara
• McLeods Waterholes (large lake only), Drysdale
• St Leonard’s Lake, St Leonards
• Seascape Drive Wetland, Indented Head
• Zillah Crawcour Park-Waterhole, Newtown

Some types of blue–green algae blooms are toxic, and direct contact can be harmful to the health of people and animals.  Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes ears and nose or if swallowed gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.

People who come in to contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with BGA affected water.

Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water. If contact occurs wash immediately in fresh water and seek Veterinary advice if pet shows signs of illness after contact with BGA affected water.