Weir algae blooms get tick of approval

Water at two reservoirs in the Peel region has been deemed safe, despite an unknown algae bloom.

The Waroona Shire Council issued a public warning on December 1 which called for people not to swim at Lake Navarino or Drakesbrook Weir because of the unidentified algae.

Test results confirmed the water is risk-free, but council officers are still advising the public not to swim in either dam.

“We’ve done samples over the last two weeks and the water is compliant with water guidelines,” Waroona shire environmental health officer Kerry Bowditch said.

“As far as the algae goes, there hasn’t been any testing done on it yet and there probably won’t be – it’s not a dangerous form of algae.

“There is still a recommendation not to dive or jump into the water or to submerge your head.”

Lake Navarino and Drakesbrook Weir are primarily used as irrigation water reserves.

However, both are popular among recreational users including kayakers and swimmers.

Freshwater anglers also regularly fish the two dams which are stocked with various trout species and marron.

Mrs Bowditch said council officers would continue to monitor the algae bloom, but doubted it would have any long-term affect on either waterway.

“The algae is a natural occurring phenomenon, so at this stage there won’t be any further action in that regard,” Mrs Bowditch said.