Lake Eildon’s blue-green algae warning removed

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has removed the blue-green algae warning for Lake Eildon following a significant decline in blue-green algae levels.

GMW Water Quality co-ordinator Bianca Atley said the lake was a popular spot for visitors and the local community and it was great it would be safe for everyone to enjoy ahead of the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

“We acknowledge the importance of Lake Eildon in the community, as an iconic tourist spot and a popular recreational area, and we are pleased it is now safe to remove the warning,” she said.

The warning for Lake Eildon was first put in place in July 2020 and was the longest on record for the lake.

“There have been five warnings for blue-green algae at Lake Eildon since monitoring first began – the first warning was for 26 days in late 2004,” Ms Atley said.

“This warning was significantly longer and was in place for 467 days – we thank everyone for their patience during this time.”

GMW undertakes frequent water quality monitoring at storages and waterways across the region, and will issue warnings if blue-green algae reach levels deemed unsafe by national health guidelines.

Warnings remain current for other locations in the region. Keep up to date with current blue-green algae warnings at g-mwater.com.au/news/bga or phone the GMW blue-green algae hotline on 5826 3785.

Customers are reminded that water supplied by GMW is not suitable for human consumption without first being properly treated.