Darebin City Council has issued a warning advising people to avoid contact with Edwardes Park Lake in Reservoir following the detection of blue-green algae by environmental officers.
Manager Environment and Natural Resources Libby Hynes said the species of blue-green algae currently present in the lake could be harmful to animals. She advises pet owners to take care and make sure that animals do not enter or drink the water. The water may also be harmful to humans, she added. “People should avoid contact with the water and make sure that it does not come into contact with their skin or eyes.”
Ms Hynes said people should avoid eating fish from the Lake. Council forbids fishing from the Lake all year round. Melbourne Water, the EPA, Department of Health, Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) are working with the Council to manage and keep a close watch on the algae bloom.
To help flush the algae out of the lake, the Council will run a recirculation pump for several hours a day to keep the water moving. Warning signs have also been put up around the lake to warn people of the potential hazards. Blue-green algae occurs naturally in waterways and erupts into blooms during hot weather and periods of drought. Ms Hynes said Council will advise residents when the situation has returned to normal.
