Tests have confirmed a blue green algal bloom at Camperdown’s Lake Bullen Merri.
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The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) last week installed warning signs as a precaution and collected water samples to determine the type of algae.
The public should avoid all contact with the water, including activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.
DELWP Otway district manager David Rourke said people should avoid contact with the water until the warning signs were removed.
“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,” he said.
“Anyone who comes into contact with contaminated water should immediately wash in fresh water and seek medical advice if they experience any illness.
“Pet owners should also prevent their pets from drinking or having contact with affected water.
“The type of algae affecting Lake Bullen Merri produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish. This can lead to serious illness for anyone who ingests toxins from algae.”
Mr Rourke said DELWP would continue monitoring the lake and remove signage once the lake was safe again.