Thursday, 25 January 2024 Lake Trevallyn algal bloom Lake closed to recreational users Lake Trevallyn has been closed to recreational water users following the detection of a blue-green algal bloom this week.The bloom was detected in routine testing by the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program, hosted by NRM North.Following advice from the TEER Program, the West Tamar and Meander Valley Councils have closed Lake Trevallyn to recreational water users, in line with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.The First Basin currently remains open to recreational water users, and the TEER Program team will continue to test water quality in the Cataract Gorge over coming weeks in consultation with the City of Launceston.TasWater has put enhanced treatment measures in place as part of its operating procedures to ensure water drawn from Lake Trevallyn remains safe for consumption.Blue-green algae, which are a type of photosynthesising bacteria, occur naturally in our waterways and are almost always present in low concentrations.A bloom occurs when there is an environmental imbalance, causing algae to grow rapidly and accumulate into dense visible patches at the surface of the water.At high concentrations, blue-green algae can impact public health and the environment.
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