A green sludge has emerged at Lake Bonney after a levee was built to cut it from the swollen River Murray, as health authorities warn against swimming in the popular Riverland lake.
"I wouldn't let my kids swim in it just for safety reasons."
The mother said she understood the lake was cut off amid the flood situation, but was worried about potential long-lasting environmental consequences."It's happened before and it's taken a long time to get it back to normal."Government research agency CSIRO stated that if the algae contained species that release toxins, it may take "more than three months before they degrade".
SA Health said it was currently awaiting test results from samples taken at the lake to determine the species and concentration of the blue-green algae identified.SA State Emergency Service chief executive Chris Beattie said the plan was to reopen Lake Bonney to the river "after the peak flow goes through".
"We are aware that the isolation of that lake from the main river flow will increase some environmental concerns," Mr Beattie said.But Mr Beattie said that the Lake Bonney levee had proved beneficial. "The measures taken by the department have shown that flooding that it's had into that lake already has massively reduced the amount of solidity."
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Murraylands towns on alert and Riverland businesses continue to close amid River Murray flood emergencyThe ongoing effects of a rising River Murray have caused the historic Overland Corner Hotel, in South Australia's Riverland, to close. But despite the 'devastating' setback, owners are confident of a return in the new year.
Read more »
'A once-in-a-lifetime experience:' Riverland locals urge South Australians to come see the high flowsRiverland locals are using innovative ways to entice visitors to the region amid the River Murray flood emergency, saying people should not miss this natural event.
Read more »
SA Riverland community prepares for isolation after levee burstsResidents in Ponde are having to make alternative road arrangements after a levee in the area broke, inundating roads and sending water rushing towards the Riverland community it was protecting.
Read more »
South Australian residents warned of more floodingResidents and business owners in the South Australian Riverland are being warned of a potentially catastrophic Christmas period as flows along the Murray River increase to a rate of approximately 220 gigalitres per day.
Read more »
‘It started too green’: Gabba pitch questioned as Australia win in two daysFormer greats believe the Gabba pitch has given the fast bowlers too much help as Australia beat South Africa, with 34 wickets falling in two days.
Read more »
‘It started too green’: Gabba pitch questioned as Australia win in two daysFormer greats believe the Gabba pitch has given the fast bowlers too much help as Australia beat South Africa, with 34 wickets falling in two days.
Read more »