Southern Grampians Shire Council has announced that Lake Hamilton is currently experiencing a Blue Green Algae bloom.
Laboratory analysis results of water samples collected by Council from Lake Hamilton indicate an unacceptable level of blue green algae species.
Blue green algae may cause skin irritation following contact with the water; therefore, Council has activated its Lake Hamilton Management Plan’s Algae Contingency Plan to keep the community safe.
Council’s Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation Rory Neeson asked that people avoid entering the water during the algae alert to reduce the risk of possible health hazards.
“Please avoid swimming, sail boarding, water skiing, fishing and any form of direct contact with the water until further advice by Council,” said Mr Neeson.
“The picnic areas and playgrounds are safe to use, but please keep pets away from the water if you are visiting the shore.
“We thank the community in advance for adhering to this safety alert. Council will continue to monitor Lake Hamilton’s water for algae until the numbers have reached a safe level,” he concluded.
Council has placed warning signs at Lake Hamilton to alert users of the closure of the Blue Green Algae, and brochures and information are available to visitors at the Hamilton Visitor Information Centre.