Preparing Australian Waterways for Summer: Your Guide to Managing Toxic Algae

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms can turn your favourite summer swimming spot into a no-go zone overnight. These toxic blooms don't just spoil weekend plans – they can be dangerous for humans and lethal for pets and wildlife. They also impact local economies, affecting everything from lakeside cafes to fishing tours.

As summer approaches, now is the critical time to prepare your waterway. This guide will help Councils and those responsible for lakes, reservoirs and other swimming spots to get ready before the heat hits.

Why Managing Cyanobacteria Matters

When cyanobacteria blooms take hold, they can release powerful toxins that cause skin rashes, severe illness, and even liver damage. Beyond the health risks, these blooms can devastate local wildlife, kill fish, and make water unsafe for livestock. Prevention and early action are your best defense – and they're far more cost-effective than dealing with a full-blown crisis.

Getting Started: Your Pre-Summer Checklist

1. Know Your Water

Start by checking your waterway's vital signs:

• Review last year's bloom patterns and water quality data

• Check current nutrient levels, especially phosphorus and nitrogen

• Monitor water temperature and flow patterns

• Map areas that need protection

2. Connect with Your Community

Your local community is your best early warning system:

• Engage with your community early on to understand their priorities on managing the waterway (e.g. chemical-free, no toxic-build up, safe for humans, livestock and fish)

• Set up an easy reporting system for residents on emerging blooms

• Share your management plans and get feedback

• Create a contact list for quick alerts

• Partner with fishing clubs and water sports groups who use the water regularly

3. Check Your Equipment

Each council needs a clear management plan to deal with blue green algae. Determine your approach to managing waterways and treating blooms. Preparation is key! Proven technologies like ultrasound can be installed in a matter of weeks - but they need to be in place before summer to ensure no blooms arise.

In advance of the warmer weather:

• Service and verify all equipment, including ultrasound devices

• Ensure monitors are correctly positioned in high-risk areas

• Test water quality monitoring equipment

• Check your alert systems are working

Spotting Trouble Early

Watch for these warning signs:

• Green, blue-green, or brownish surface scum

• Paint-like appearance on the water

• Murky water where it's usually clear

• Dead fish or unusual animal behavior

High-risk conditions include:

• Several sunny, calm days in a row

• Water temperatures above 20°C

• Stagnant water

• Heavy rain followed by hot weather

Increase your monitoring at:

• Popular swimming areas

• Fishing spots

• Boat ramps

• Previous bloom locations

• Areas with poor water circulation

Working Together for Safer Waters

Success in managing blue-green algae depends on community involvement. Work with your local community to:

• Understand their concerns about water quality and their priorities in managing waterways

• Build a network of trained community monitors

• Develop clear communication channels for alerts

• Keep everyone informed about prevention strategies

Remember, combining good monitoring with proven prevention technologies like ultrasound helps protect our waterways through the summer months.

Need more specific advice on ultrasound as a quick acting, toxic-free, safe technology to eliminate algal blooms in your waterways ? Contact Peter Harries from EnviroSonic to hear more.