Lab-confirmed blue-green algae bloom widens warning at Warabrook Wetlands

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle says a red alert remains in place for the smaller pond at Warabrook Wetlands after laboratory testing confirmed a blue-green algae bloom, while a caution alert has been extended to the larger pond as a precaution.

The latest update follows an earlier council caution alert published on February 19, when City of Newcastle said a suspected cyanobacteria bloom appeared to be limited to the smaller wetland and testing was underway. Under NSW algae guidance, red alerts represent bloom conditions that should be treated as toxic to people and animals, while caution alerts can also be used when a visible bloom prompts concern before samples are identified or when samples show non-toxic species.

Residents have been told to avoid swimming, wading or fishing in the affected wetland, keep pets away from the water and rinse off with fresh water if they come into contact with it. The council said blue-green algae can increase during warm weather, low water levels and higher nutrient runoff, and asked nearby households to avoid using fertiliser on lawns or gardens facing the wetland because nutrient runoff can contribute to blooms. Warning signage is in place and the site will continue to be monitored.