Swimming in Lake Tuggeranong banned after blue-green algae alert

Blue-green algae pose health risks including irritation of the skin, mucosa and eyes, flu-like symptoms, hay fever-like symptoms and gastrointestinal illness.

Anyone concerned about exposure should visit their GP.

While primary-contact recreation, including swimming and diving where either the whole body is in contact with the water, or the head is submerged, is banned, secondary-contact recreation such as rowing, and fishing is allowed.

People participating in secondary-contact activities should avoid the water and shower after contact.

Water-event organisers should ensure participants are aware of the blue green algae alert level, the risks of the algae exposure and provide shower facilities.

Algae levels can change quickly and Canberrans are asked to look for warning signs of dangerous algae levels.

Pet owners should not let animals swim in or drink the water as the algae can cause sickness or death.

The decision to ban primary-contact recreation at Lake Tuggeranong was made in accordance to the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality.

More information about blue-green can on the ACT Government website or by contacting the Environment Protection Authority through Access Canberra on 13 22 81.