This bloom has now been confirmed as potentially toxic blue-green algae.

Sunraysia RACC chair Owen Russell said Lower Murray Water and Parks Victoria were informing tourism operators and park visitors of the bloom.

“Results indicated that algae is present throughout the water column and this may pose a threat to recreational users,’’ Mr Russell said.

“The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact.”

Park visitors should avoid any water that appears bright green, where obvious green scums are present, or a distinctive odour is noticeable.

“Blue-green algae are usually very obvious, appearing as clumps or specs in the water and are often associated with a strong musty or earthy odour.

“People are advised not to enter the water, and are further advised not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the lake whilst a Red alert warning is in place,” he said.

Park visitors are further advised to keep all animals way from the water.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Tuesday’s Sunraysia Daily 9/2/2010.