Amber Alert Issued for Blue-Green Algae in Clarrie Hall Dam

Liam Jennings

Tweed Shire Council has raised the blue-green algae alert to amber for Clarrie Hall Dam. While this indicates an increase in algae activity, tap water across the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in, thanks to robust water treatment processes.

What the Amber Alert Means

The amber alert signals that blue-green algae are multiplying in the dam. Water may appear to have a greenish tinge and emit a musty or organic odor.

Brie Jowett, Council’s Manager of Water and Wastewater Operations, assured residents: “Our water treatment processes are very robust — we remove blue-green algae from the water when blooms occur, so our tap water remains perfectly safe.”

Precautionary

Measures

While the water supply is safe, Council advises the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Eating Fish or Shellfsh: Refrain from consuming fsh or shellfsh caught in the dam.

• Limit Recreational Activities: Avoid water activities involving direct contact with the dam, such as kayaking.

• Protect Livestock: Keep animals away from the dam and its tributaries. Do not provide untreated water from the dam to livestock.

• Personal Contact: If you come into contact with blue-green algae, rinse off with fresh water and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Ongoing Monitoring and Alerts

A blue-green algae alert has been in place at Clarrie Hall Dam since December 2024, when a green alert was frst issued. Council is actively monitoring the situation, increasing testing frequency at the dam to twice weekly and maintaining weekly monitoring at other locations.

Warning signs remain posted at public access points to inform the public of the algae’s presence and associated risks.

Stay Informed

Residents can stay updated on the status of blue-green algae alerts through:

• Tweed Shire Council Website: Recreational Blue-Green Algae Alerts

• WaterNSW Website: Blue-Green Algae Information

For any concerns or additional information, residents are encouraged to reach out to the Council directly.

Public Safety First

Tweed Shire Council is committed to protecting public health and safety by closely monitoring the situation and ensuring water quality. Residents are urged to follow the guidelines and avoid untreated water during this period.