Managing Cyanobacterial Toxin Risks to Recreators A case study for Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii dominated inland lakes in South East

Dr Cameron Veal – Technical Coordinator – Catchment Water Quality Contents • at a glance

• Recreation at Seqwater

• Seqwater’s cyanobacterial risk profile

• Setting recreational cyanobacterial triggers

• Application of recreational triggers

• Questions Seqwater at a glance

• 26 , 8 Rivers, 51 Weirs, 2 Borefields suppling 37 Water Treatment Plants. • Supply 298,524 ML of Treated Water to 3.1 Million People in . • $11.3 billion in built assets. • Manage 50% of green space outside National Parks with 2.6 million visitors. • Only own <5% of the open multi-use catchment. Recreation at Seqwater

• Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority is a merger of previous council run water assets. • South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007 defines the Functions of the Statutory Authority • (f) using or managing its land in ways that benefit the community, including for recreational purposes; • Inherited different levels of historically permitted recreational activity. Recreation at Seqwater

• On-water recreational access to 17 lakes. • The use of drinking water lakes for recreational activities can adversely affect water quality, not only for drinking water supply, but also ecological function and the on-going suitability for recreation. • Potential adverse effects must be weighed against the benefits to health and wellbeing of recreational water use. Seqwater and managed recreational water bodies

• Primary recreation occurs on 11 of 17 approved on water recreational storages.

Healthy communities, Prosperous region.

Recreational Water Quality Management Plan

• Guidance from NHMRC (2008) and ADWG (2011) • Cyanobacterial susceptibility scores: Very Poor • 9 out of 17 recreational lakes not recommended for recreational activities. • Biovolume driven Cyanobacterial Management Plan

• Seqwater has a mandate to provide recreational opportunities of regional significance in SE Qld. • Science, monitoring resource and technical skills. • Targeted local cyanobacterial guidelines for whole of company management of cyanobacteria. • Focus on Potentially Toxic Species (PTPs). Cyanobacterial Management Plan • Information derived from the most current published and relevant grey literature available. • Inherent water quality risks. • Primary and Secondary Recreation Risk. • Seqwater is opening lakes to recreation when conditions are suitable. Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers • Limitations with Proxy Indicators: assumes worst case scenario until proven otherwise, i.e. all blooms are highly toxic until proven otherwise. • The Alert Level Framework accounts for both species of known toxicity and those of unknown toxicity by using cell concentration/biovolume. • The basis for these triggers is centred on guideline values set for exposure to cyanobacterial toxins through ingestion. • The values are defined in the ADWG and NHMRC as guidelines (in the case of microcystin and cylindrospermopsin) and alert values (in the case of saxitoxins and nodularins) for drinking water. Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers • NHMRC (2008) guideline using a Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) from the 44-day pig study of Kuiper-Goodman et al (1999). • The calculated guidelines are 10 mg L-1 for children and 44 mg L-1 for the average adult. The child exposure guideline for microcystins (measured as total microcystins and expressed as microcystin-LR toxicity equivalents). • Aim to protect the sensitive population and adopt the exposure guidelines for children.

Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers • For cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins and nodularins no guideline is currently defined due to lack of adequate data. However, health alerts have been proposed through the ADWG. • Due to the similarity between toxicity of nodularins and microcystins, the guideline for microcystins can be adopted as a suitable alternative for managing risks from exposure to nodularins. • Assuming a conservative ingestion rate of 200 mL (double that used in NHMRC (2008)), a threshold concentration that is 10 fold greater than the drinking water threshold can be derived.

Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers • Baseline monthly integrated five metres sample with laboratory analysis trigger escalated sampling frequency based on biovolume, cell counts of PTP’s or toxins above guideline values. • Visual Inspection can also trigger escalation or closures. • Need BV + Red Level 1 auxiliary trigger. • Toxin ≥ GL.

Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers • Targeted toxin testing, with a catch all for other PTP’s. • Cost limitation. Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers

Secondary Recreation BV Trigger

Primary Recreation BV Trigger Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers

C. raciborskii Recreation RL1 Trigger Recreational Cyanobacterial Triggers

Combined Cylindrospermopsin Toxin Trigger Challenges

• Long closure periods resulting is significant local community discomfort. • Significant summer sampling and analysis program (350 samples per month) with long standard turn around times. • Discrepancies between phycologists analysis of the same slide can result in opening/closing recreational water bodies. • Cell count to biovolume conversion and cell counts to toxin limitations. Future options

• Move away from proxy indicators and focus on more affordable and rapid indications of the actual toxin present, with escalated monitoring skewed towards the bloom degradation stage. Summary

• Seqwater needs to permit recreational access to open multiuse catchment and storages. • Cyanobacterial biovolume alone is not suitable for Seqwater’s recreational management needs. • Localised cyanobacterial guidelines for South East Queensland enable better management of cyanobacterial risk. • A scientifically rigorous escalation and de-escalation cyanobacterial and toxin sampling program enables recreational storages to be opened when conditions permit.

Questions Blue-green Algae Recreation Management Procedure summary Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority, trading as Seqwater. ABN: 75 450 239 876

Level 8 117 Street, Ipswich QLD 4305 PO Box 328 Ipswich QLD 4305

P 1800 771 497 F +61 7 3229 7926 E [email protected] W seqwater.com.au

Translation and interpreting assistance Seqwater is committed to providing accessible services to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Please contact us and we will arrange an interpreter to share this publication with you.

ISBN-13:978-0-9943790-1-6

© Seqwater 2016

This publication is correct at time of writing and is subject to change. B

Contents Introduction

Introduction 01 Seqwater is responsible for providing a safe, secure About blue-green algae 02 and cost-effective drinking water supply for more than Contributing factors to growth 02 three million people across South East Queensland. Future climate change 03 Helping to prevent blue-green algal blooms 03 We are one of the few bulk water providers in that Despite their beneficial functions, blue-green algae can Algal blooms in our lakes 03 manages open catchments, allowing the community to enjoy sometimes pose significant risks to human health and our Blue-green algae toxins 04 our water storage lakes and catchment land for recreational lifestyle by producing toxins and odorous compounds. Exposure to cyanotoxins and health risks 05 activities. Our challenge is to balance community access with Consuming fish or crustacean flesh and organs our essential role of providing high quality drinking water. A number of guidelines and protocols are in place to help from algae-affected water 05 Public safety is our priority. We take a proactive and water authorities protect recreational users from risks related Risks to children 05 conservative approach to safety at our recreation areas, to blue-green algae exposure, including the: Recreation at Seqwater storage lakes 06 restricting access to water-based activities when there is a • Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Primary and secondary recreation 06 potential public health or safety concern due to microbial risks • Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Monitoring blue-green algae 07 or the presence of cyanobacterial toxins. Reporting, and Alert levels for recreation 08 Cyanobacteria (commonly referred to as blue-green algae) • Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water and Restricting lake access for water-based are naturally occurring organisms and are amongst the Management Strategies for Cyanobacteria (blue-green recreational activities 09 earliest known life forms on this planet, believed to be algae): a guide for Water Utilities. Fish consumption guidance from Queensland Health 10 partly responsible for the development of life through the Seqwater’s Cyanobacterial Management Plan and Alert Level Keeping our communities informed 11 oxygenation of the earth’s atmosphere. Framework for Cyanobacteria and Recreation Procedure Blue-green algae can exist in both salt and fresh water, and are provides an overarching framework and uniform process for an important part of a healthy ecosystem, performing functions managing blue-green algae risks to recreational users at our such as photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling water storage lakes. We have embraced national protocols and in the food chain. Blue-green algae are also sometimes used to standards, and developed local water quality guidelines that grow food, make fertilisers and convert solar energy. apply to the 17 water storage lakes in South East Queensland where water-based recreation is permitted.

01 About Blue-green algae

Fresh water blue-green algae are photosynthetic WEATHER NUTRIENT LEVELS: and have unique characteristics that enable them to Periods of warm, sunny days with light winds Many lakes and waterways are enriched with dominate their environment under favourable water are most favourable for cyanobacterial growth, naturally and anthropogenic (human) derived conditions. although high levels of blue-green algae are sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, which known to persist through winter. aid algae growth. The greater the levels of They can be a single cell, an aggregation of cells (colonial), a nutrients dissolved in the water, the greater solitary filament (or thread) or filament clumps. Some species VISIBLE AND INFRARED LIGHT: the probability of algal blooms forming. are also capable of nitrogen fixation (which makes them very Still and stagnant water bodies are great for Recent research in South East Queensland important in the nitrogen cycle), and many can regulate their algae growth. Algae are able to absorb the indicates that higher nutrient levels may favour buoyancy to take advantage of optimal light and nutrient sunlight they need to grow and make their own the preferential growth of toxic strains of conditions. Toxic strains may be resistant to being eaten by food. In Seqwater lakes, stratification of the cyanobacteria, over non-toxic strains. their competitors. water is common during the spring, summer and autumn months. This usually means warm ALGAE PREDATOR NUMBERS: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO GROWTH water in the top layer of the lake and cold Zooplankton, crustaceans, mussels, and aquatic Blue-green algae can bloom quickly under the right water at the bottom. Clear, calm and warm insects all eat algae. If water quality is poor environmental conditions, when there is abundant sunlight, conditions mean the light and heat from the sun and the number of these animals drops, there warm temperatures, still water and sufficient levels of can penetrate deeper into the water, creating is less grazing pressure on the algae. Algae nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. a large area for growth above what is called a may grow in large numbers in the absence of thermocline. A thermocline occurs when heat predators. Nutrients are either naturally present in sediments or are from the sun warms the surface layers of a washed into the lake from the surrounding catchment water storage, which then changes the water’s RAINFALL: (agriculture, sewage effluent and stormwater run-off). Trapped buoyancy and results in an abrupt temperature Moderate to severe rainfall events can remove sediments in lakes can provide an ongoing source of nutrients gradient as the warm surface layer floats on nutrient-rich top soils and materials from the for repeated algal growth. top of the cooler, more dense bottom water. catchments, depositing them in the streams This commonly occurs in Seqwater storages at Other contributing factors may include the number of aquatic and rivers of the upper catchment, where there depths from several metres to 20 metres. animals in the lake that eat algae, and heavy rainfall. are no or limited riparian buffers. This sediment transport provides a nutrient source which increases the risk of algal blooms

02 Algal blooms in our lakes

FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE HELPING TO PREVENT BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOMS Across South East Queensland, we expect blue- Future climate variability, such as higher temperatures As a community, we can help prevent blue-green algal blooms green algal blooms to reoccur every year with varying and changes in rainfall patterns, is predicted to affect a by limiting the amount of nutrients in the water and promoting severity. They can persist for weeks, months and even number of parameters that impact algal populations. It has ecological health. Detergents and fertilisers contain a high an entire season if conditions are favourable. been suggested that measurable increases in global air concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus, so we can all play our temperature, coupled with increased fluxes of nutrients from part by: Blue-green algal blooms, and in particular potentially toxic agricultural run-off, stormwater, or sewage treatment plants species, can pose significant risks to human health through the • preventing nutrients from washing into roadside drains that and other anthropogenic (human) sources, favour the growth production of toxins. The dominant species during bloom events flow into local waterways, e.g. by washing the car on the of cyanobacteria, including toxin-producing taxa. Higher water in nearly all Seqwater lakes is Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, lawn rather than on the road temperatures are predicted to have a direct positive effect on which produces a toxin called Cylindrospermopsin. blue-green algae growth rates by strengthening and intensifying • using phosphorus-free detergents water stratification and giving blue-green algae populations a • reducing the use of fertilisers where possible competitive advantage over other species. Rainfall events are • helping to rehabilitate waterways predicted to occur at higher frequencies and intensities, with • preventing land erosion, where possible, to stop soil longer periods of drought between events. washing into waterways. Since Seqwater began its algae monitoring program, population numbers and the duration of blooms have continued to increase. This is an emerging human and environmental health concern.

03 Blue-green algae toxins

Blue-green algae can produce toxins (known as NEUROTOXINS: CYTOTOXINS: cyanotoxins) which affect people and animals that These toxins are more common in New The alkaloid cylindrospermopsin is known as a swim in, drink from, inhale aspirated sprays of, or Zealand river systems. They act as general cytotoxin that blocks protein synthesis neuromuscular blocking agents and can in mammal cells. The protein blocking can come into contact with contaminated water. cause death by paralysing peripheral skeletal occur in multiple organ systems including muscles, then respiratory muscles, which the liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, In the natural environment, toxins are generally contained leads to respiratory arrest. Neurotoxins are heart, spleen, thymus and skin. They can be within the blue-green algal cell but are released into the water produced by species of Aphanizomenon, produced by such species as Aphanizomenon, when cells are damaged or die. Dolichospermum Nostoc and Oscillatoria. Cylindrospermopsis, Dolichospermum, Cyanotoxins can be classified into four families according to Raphidiopsis and Umezakia. HEPATOTOXINS: the organs on which they act: These are the most common of the blue- ENDOTOXINS: • neurotoxins (nervous system) green algae toxins. They attack the liver and The outer walls of all blue-green algae • hepatotoxins (liver) other internal organs. Common symptoms contain lipopolysaccharides, which can act as of exposure include visual disturbances, a contact irritant and cause severe dermatitis • cytotoxins (several organs: liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting and and conjunctivitis in people coming into small intestine) muscle weakness. They can be produced contact with the algae through swimming or • endotoxins (irritant toxins). by such species as Cylindrospermopsis, water spray. They have also been known to Dolichospermum Microcystis, Nodularia, cause nausea, stomach cramps, fever and and Oscillatoria and are slower acting than headaches. If swallowed, they may irritate neurotoxins. airways and cause breathing difficulties.

In nearly all Seqwater storages, the dominant species during bloom events is Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii which produces a toxin called Cylindrospermopsin. This toxin blocks protein synthesis and can severely impact the kidneys and liver.

Seqwater maintains a broad toxin screening program to monitor emergent cyanobacteria and their associated toxins.

04 Exposure to cyanotoxins and health risks

Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can be through: If you are concerned about your health after contact with affected water, seek medical advice. • accidental or deliberate swallowing of affected water • inhalation of water droplets or aerosols (water-skiing), or Note: Boiling algae-affected water will not destroy toxins. Boiling absorption through nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes will kill algae, but in doing so will release more toxins into the in water sports involving submersion of the head (swimming, water. jumping from diving boards, sail boarding, and canoe capsizing) • direct water contact with the skin, including sensitive areas CONSUMING FISH OR CRUSTACEAN FLESH AND ORGANS such as the ears, eyes, mouth, and nose FROM ALGAE-AFFECTED WATER • excessive consumption of fish or crustacean flesh and organs Consuming excessive amounts of fish, shellfish or crustaceans from affected waters. caught in algae-affected water may present a health risk. The identification of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins in one Various toxins released by some species of blue-green algae of the species of blue-green algae in Australia has highlighted can present a health risk to people and animals when they are concerns about possible neurotoxin bioaccumulation in edible fish, RISKS TO CHILDREN ingested, inhaled or come into direct contact with the skin. mussels and other shellfish. Children are more susceptible to the effects of toxins due to Swallowing water containing toxins may cause gastroenteritis their lower body weight. There is also a greater risk of children symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal In marine waters, consumption of shellfish contaminated by PSP and young adults engaging in activities where water is likely to be pain, or fever, headache, muscle weakness, pneumonia and has caused many human deaths. Cylindrospermopsin, another blue- swallowed or inhaled, without knowing or understanding the risks paralysis. green algal toxin common in fresh water in Queensland, has been associated with cyanotoxins. Children should always be supervised identified in the edible flesh of crayfish. For consumption guidance by adults when swimming or participating in any activity in any The toxins produced by blue-green algae may also affect multiple see Fish consumption guidance from Queensland Health on body of water. As children have more sensitive skin than adults, internal organs and the nervous system. Inhaling affected water page 10. they are also more likely to suffer from skin rashes associated with may cause respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms. Skin endotoxin exposure. contact with the water, especially sensitive areas such as the eyes, If you experience symptoms, or are concerned about your health, ears, nose and mouth, may cause ear and eye irritation, skin rash, seek medical attention. flu-like symptoms and fever. The risk of developing these symptoms is likely to grow as contact time increases.

05 Recreation at Seqwater Storage lakes in South East Queensland

Gympie Regional Council Noosa Shire Council

storage lakes Cedar Pocket Lake Macdonald

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT RECREATION Lake Borumba Lake Cooloolabin Water-based recreation activities are classed as primary contact (in-water) or secondary contact (on-water):

Sunshine Coast Lake Baroon Tarong Regional Council • Primary contact (in-water) recreation involves Power Station Ewen water contact activities where the whole body, face Somerset Maddock Dam Regional Council and/or trunk is frequently immersed; or where the face is constantly being sprayed; or where it is likely that some water will be swallowed, inhaled, or come into Lake Somerset contact with the skin, ears, eyes, mouth and nose (e.g. Regional Council swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing, tubing).

Lake Kurwongbah Toowoomba Lake Wivenhoe Regional Council Lake Samsonvale More than 2.5 million people visit Seqwater’s Brisbane City Lake Atkinson Council water storage lakes every year. Seqwater’s Dam Enoggera Recreation Management Framework sets out • Secondary contact (on-water) recreation involves Lake Manchester Lake Clarendon our objective and principles for managing access incidental water contact activities in which only the Lake Dyer Council to recreational opportunities while protecting limbs are regularly wet, and greater contact with Lockyer Valley Regional Council Ipswich natural resources and water quality. water (including swallowing) is unusual (e.g. boating, City Council Swanbank fishing, rowing, kayaking or canoeing with no intent to Power Station A range of recreational activities are available at 20 City of capsize or submerge). There may be the occasional and Logan City Gold Coast Council Seqwater lakes across South East Queensland. inadvertent immersion through accidents (e.g. slipping Seventeen of these lakes offer water-based recreation. into the water, accidentally capsizing from a rowing or Lake Wyaralong

sailing craft). (Advancetown Lake) Lake Moogerah Nindooinbah Dam

Lake Maroon Gold Coast Desalination Plant Scenic Rim Regional Council

06 Monitoring blue-green algae

Seqwater has an extensive water quality monitoring program, The triggers for restricting water-based recreation activities are which was developed for South East Queensland conditions, detailed in the following table. taking into account state and national advisories. Recreational toxin triggers We have partnered with researchers to better understand Cyanotoxin Unit Low level Medium level High level Extreme level blue-green algal blooms and their toxins. We are also working Microcystin ug L-1 < 3 ≥ 3 ≥ 10 ≥ 25 to improve the health of our lakes and catchments by reducing Saxitoxin toxicity equivalents ug L-1 < 9 ≥ 9 ≥ 30 ≥ 75 nutrient and sediment input from the surrounding land and -1 improving ecosystem function. Cylindrospermopsin ug L < 3 ≥ 3 ≥ 10 ≥ 25 Nodularin ug L-1 < 4 ≥ 4 ≥ 13 ≥ 30 We regularly monitor our water storages for algal blooms and -1 restrict water-based activities when algae toxin levels indicate Note: ug L = micrograms per litre. Toxin concentration in the lake is measured in units, by the amount of toxins (microgram) per volume of water (litre). a health risk. We make this assessment through toxin testing— analysing the amount of toxins which have dissolved in the water—and use toxin concentration as the primary indicator for health risks.

It is important to note that the presence of scum takes priority over reported cyanotoxin levels. When scum risk is identified as medium and low, priority is given to toxin concentration levels for recreational lake management.

Research has shown that toxin production may vary from week to week during a bloom, depending on the dominant species and the amount of cell death and toxin release.

07 Alert levels for recreation

Blue-green algae alert levels describe an established cyanobacterial population, and the toxin concentration levels in the lake that pose health risks for people who swim, ski, boat and fish at Seqwater storages. Blue-green algae Blue-green algae Blue-green algae Blue-green algae

Current alert level: Current alert level: Current alert level: Current alert level: Low Medium High Extreme Total cyanobacterial toxin concentrations are less Toxin levels exceed low level conditions but not Toxin concentrations exceed high level conditions. Toxin concentrations exceed extreme level conditions. than low level concentrations in the recreational toxin enough to close lakes to primary recreation. triggers table. High levels of blue-green algae toxins are present Exposure to extreme level blue-green algae toxins There is an increase in algae toxin concentration. in the lake and pose serious health risks if people poses serious health risks if people swallow, inhale The presence of toxin producing blue-green algae is swallow, inhale or come into contact with algae- or come into contact with algae-affected water very low. Other non-toxic strains and species may be Lake is open for all permitted water-based activities. affected water (including sensitive areas such as the (including sensitive areas such as the ears, eyes, present, making the water look green. ears, eyes, mouth and nose). mouth and nose). Seqwater will monitor water quality and increase the Lake is open for all permitted water-based activities frequency of toxin testing to fortnightly. Lake is closed to primary contact (in-water) recreation, Lake is closed to primary contact (in-water) recreation at this level, as algae levels are unlikely to cause but remains open for secondary contact (on-water) and an advisory notice is issued for secondary contact adverse health effects. recreation. (on-water) recreation, which recommends people do not engage in any water-based activities until levels Seqwater will maintain routine water quality Seqwater will conduct weekly water quality tests and fall within acceptable limits. monitoring. re-open the lake to primary contact recreation when two consecutive water quality test results fall within Seqwater will continue weekly toxin tests. The acceptable limits. advisory notice for secondary contact (on-water) recreation will be lifted when two consecutive water quality test results fall within acceptable limits.

08 Restricting lake access for water-based recreational activities

Seqwater closes water storage lakes, or part of a lake, for When temporary closures or advisories are in place, signage primary (in-water) and/or secondary (on-water) contact activities is erected at lake entry and launch points, as well as at WARNING BLUE-GREEN ALGAE when there is a risk to public health and safety. designated swimming areas. These signs show the current risk RESTRICTED ACCESS DUE TO HIGH LEVELS Temporary warning signs will be installed on site for recreational activities at a particular site. Information is Temporarily closed When blue-green algae toxin concentrations reach trigger levels, also available on the Seqwater website, social media channels for in-water activities when lake access is we will issue lake closure notices and restrict all primary contact and via the Seqwater app. See Keeping our communities restricted. Remains open (in-water) recreational activities, including: for on-water activities informed on page 11. WARNING BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

For futher details, visit seqwater.com.au Relevant state departments, special interest groups and key RESTRICTEDPhone 1800 ACCESS SEQWATER DUE TO EXTREME LEVELS stakeholders will be advised of any changes to alert levels, in Temporarily closed line with Seqwater’s Alert Level Framework for Cyanobacteria for in-water activities and Recreation Procedure. On-water activities are No swimming No jet-skiing No water-skiing No tubing not advised x x x x It may be necessary to close lakes to primary contact (in-water)

For futher details, visit seqwater.com.au If the toxin concentration continues to increase and reach recreation for weeks or months, until algae levels return to Phone 1800 SEQWATER extreme levels, lakes will remain closed to primary contact acceptable limits. (in-water) recreation. Seqwater will also issue an advisory notice recommending people avoid secondary contact (on-water) At times, we may also close lakes to all water-based recreational activities, including: activities (primary and secondary contact) for other reasons, such as severe weather.

All boating Paddling Sailing Fishing not advised not advised not advised not advised

09 Fish consumption advice from Queensland Health

Queensland Health advises that it is safe for people to eat two to three serves of fish per week. Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children should limit their intake of shark, broadbill, marlin, swordfish and freshwater fish.

It is generally advised that pregnant women and women planning pregnancy should consume no more than 150 grams of these types of fish per fortnight, including canned fish. Children six years and under should consume no more than 75 grams a fortnight and other adults should consume no more than 150 grams.

For further guidance, refer to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand fact sheet at foodstandards.gov.au.

10 Keeping our communities informed

Blue-green algae exists in all waterways, producing toxins that may pose health risks at certain levels. seqwater.com.au 1800 771 497 As part of our updated Blue-green Algae Recreational Management Procedure, we publish current blue-green algae levels for each of our recreation lakes on our website.

Plan ahead to play it safe when visiting any of our lakes. Check our recreation and safety notices before you leave home to ensure you are aware of the latest lake conditions and current facebook.com/seqwater @Seqwater closures.

Seqwater keeps the community informed of lake closures and blue-green algae levels through website updates, Facebook and Twitter posts, and signage. We will re-open lakes to primary contact (in-water) recreation as soon as water quality tests indicate it is appropriate to do so. communications@ Download Seqwater’s Download the Seqwater mobile app to receive notifications about seqwater.com.au public safety app lake closures or warnings as they occur.

11 For more information visit seqwater.com.au Frequently asked questions: Blue-green algae and recreation

Exposure to blue-green algae toxins poses serious health risks.

Blue-green algal blooms: risks to lake users

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) How can I be exposed to blue-green algae pose health risks to people who toxins? swim, boat and fish at Seqwater Potential health hazards are related to the way people are storage lakes. exposed to the toxins, including: • swallowing water when swimming, skiing or tubing What is blue-green algae? • breathing in water droplets and spray during jet-skiing or Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally occurring power boating bacteria that live in lakes and waterways. The presence of sufficient nutrients, warm temperatures and high levels • water coming into contact with the skin, including sensitive of sunlight, together with calm waters, provide optimal areas such as the ears, eyes, mouth and nose growing conditions for blue-green algae. Excessive growth, • eating fish and other food caught in algae-affected lakes. called an algal bloom, generally occurs during summer and autumn, however blooms can happen at any time. Cool, cloudy What are the health impacts of exposure to and windy weather can help reduce blue-green algae levels. blue-green algae toxins? Why are blue-green algae a problem? Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can cause serious health effects: Blue-green algae impacts water quality, and some species produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. • Swallowing water containing algae toxins may cause gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever Algae and associated toxins may be present in lakes without and headache. The toxins produced by blue-green algae being visible to the naked eye. Sometimes algae can may also affect the liver, kidneys and brain. be mixed in the water column or produce a smelly, thick scum • Inhaling affected water may cause respiratory problems on the water surface. and flu-like symptoms. Not all blooms are toxic, but in the interest of public safety, • Skin contact with water (including sensitive areas) may we treat them as toxic until the water has been tested. cause ear and eye irritation, skin rash, flu-like symptoms Algal blooms are expected to occur every year with varying and fever. severity and can persist for weeks, months or even an entire • Eating fish and other food caught in algae-affected waters season if the right conditions exist. may present a health risk. There have been reports of people becoming sick after eating fish caught in algae- affected lakes. People who are concerned about their health following contact with affected water should seek medical advice. Frequently asked questions: Blue-green algae and recreation

Blue-green algae Are children more vulnerable than adults to EXTREME LEVEL: indicates the blue-green algae toxins? level of blue-green algae toxins poses serious health risks if Children are more susceptible to the effects of blue-green algae exposed. toxins. They have a smaller body weight and tend to swallow larger volumes of water while swimming or playing in lakes. The lake will remain closed Current alert level: to primary contact (in-water) Children are also less likely to restrict or modify their activities Extreme to protect themselves in the water. recreation. Seqwater will issue an advisory notice that secondary When will water-based activities be contact (on-water) activities such as boating, fishing and restricted at Seqwater lakes? paddling on the affected lake is not advised. At times, we may still close lakes to all water-based recreation To protect lake users from exposure to blue-green algae toxins, for other reasons such as severe weather. water-based recreational activities are restricted when blue- green algae levels trigger a potential health risk. When will lakes be re-opened for water- Blue-green algae LOW LEVEL: indicates the based activities? blue-green algae toxic Seqwater conducts regular water quality tests when algae concentration is low. The lake levels are high, and will re-open lakes for water-based activities will remain open for all permitted as soon as the results of three consecutive water quality tests water-based activities as algae fall within acceptable limits. levels are unlikely to cause adverse Current alert level: health effects. It may be necessary to limit water-based activities for weeks Low Blue-green algae or sometimes months until blue-green algae levels return to MEDIUM LEVEL: indicates an acceptable limits. increase in blue-green algae. The lake will remain open for all permitted water-based activities. Seqwater will investigate further and increase the frequency of Current alert level: water quality testing. Medium Blue-green algae HIGH LEVEL: indicates blue- green algae toxins are present and pose serious harm to your health if you swallow, inhale or come into contact with affected water (including sensitive areas such Current alert level: as ears, eyes, mouth and nose). High

The lake will close to primary contact (in-water) activities, such as swimming, skiing and tubing, but remain open for secondary contact (on-water) recreation such as boating, Not all blooms are toxic. To protect your health, we treat them as toxic until the water has been tested. paddling and fishing.

Page 2 of 4 Frequently asked questions: Blue-green algae and recreation

What is primary and secondary contact recreation? Water-based recreation activities are classified as primary contact (in-water) or secondary contact (on-water):

PRIMARY CONTACT (IN-WATER) RECREATION: Seqwater’s treatment plants remove harmful algae toxins involves water contact activities where the whole body, face before water reaches your tap. and/or trunk is frequently immersed; or where the face is frequently being sprayed; or where it is likely that some water Can my drinking water supply be affected will be swallowed, inhaled, or come into contact with ears, eyes, mouth and nose or cuts in the skin (e.g. swimming, water by blue-green algae? skiing, jet skiing and tubing). Seqwater’s treatment plants remove harmful algae toxins from the water before it reaches your tap. Untreated algae-affected water is not suitable for preparing food, bathing, showering or brushing teeth. Boiling algae- affected water will not remove algae toxins or make the water safe to drink. SECONDARY CONTACT (ON-WATER) RECREATION: involves incidental water contact activities in which only How can lake users keep safe during blue- the limbs are regularly wet, and greater contact with water green algal blooms? (including swallowing) is unusual (e.g. boating, fishing, rowing, kayaking or canoeing with no intent to capsize or submerge). Your safety at our lakes is our priority and your responsibility. There may be the occasional and inadvertent immersion through accidents. (e.g. slipping into the water, accidentally Follow the advice of Seqwater employees and signage in capsizing from a rowing or sailing craft). affected areas. To reduce the risk of exposure, avoid contact with the water until blue-green algae levels fall within acceptable limits. When we close a lake to primary contact (in-water) activities, we will use these symbols:

It’s important to note that not all lakes allow primary and/or secondary contact recreation activities. Can I eat fish caught in algae-affected lakes? When we issue an advisory notice that secondary contact (on- Eating fish, shellfish and crustaceans caught in algae-infested water) activities are not advised, we will use these symbols: waters may present a health risk. Dangerous algae toxins can remain in the water and accumulate in the internal organs of fish and crustaceans, even after the bloom has dissapated and is no longer visible. X X X X Consuming more than three servings of fish in a week is not recommended. There are further restrictions for pregnant All boating Paddling Sailing Fishing women and children. Visit foodstandards.gov.au for further not advised not advised not advised not advised guidance.

Page 3 of 4 Frequently asked questions: Blue-green algae and recreation

Why have you changed the way you manage How can I find out more? recreational access during blue-green algal Download our Blue-green Algae Recreation Management blooms? Procedure summary for more information about managing recreational access to Seqwater lakes during blue-green In response to community feedback, Seqwater completed a algal blooms. detailed review of its recreation management response to blue- green algal blooms. For the latest updates, visit our website, follow us on social media or download the Seqwater public safety app. From 1 December 2016, Seqwater will introduce an updated Blue-green Algae Recreation Management Procedure – a summary document with information about: seqwater.com.au 1800 771 497 • blue-green algae levels in Seqwater lakes • potential health hazards from exposure to algae toxins facebook.com/seqwater @Seqwater • managing lake access for water-based recreation when blue-green algae levels are high. How will I know when water-based activities communications@ Download Seqwater’s are restricted? seqwater.com.au public safety app Always check our recreation and safety notices before you leave home to ensure you are aware of the latest lake conditions and current closure notices. Latest blue-green algae levels for each of our lakes are published on our website at seqwater.com.au/recreation. Closure and advisory notices will also be issued online through our social media channels, as well as via our mobile app and posted on signage at the lakes.

Playing it safe at Logans Inlet, . Fact sheet: Blue-green algae and recreation

Blue-green algal bloom in Lake Atkinson, Somerset region.

Blue-green algal blooms: risks to lake users

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) poses health risks to people who swim, boat and fish at Seqwater storage lakes. What is blue-green algae? Exposure to blue-green algae toxins poses serious health risks. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally occurring bacteria that live in lakes and waterways. The presence What are the health impacts of exposure to of sufficient nutrients, warm temperatures and high levels of sunlight, together with calm waters, provide optimal growing blue-green algae toxins? conditions for blue-green algae. Excessive growth, called an Potential health hazards are related to the way people are algal bloom, generally occurs during summer and autumn, exposed to the toxins: however blooms can happen at any time. Cool, cloudy and windy weather can help reduce blue-green algae levels. • Swallowing water containing algae toxins may cause gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, Why are blue-green algae a problem? fever and headache. The toxins produced by blue-green algae may also affect the liver, kidneys or brain. Blue-green algae impacts water quality, and some species produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. • Inhaling affected water, such as when water-skiing, may cause respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms. Algae and associated toxins may be present in lakes without • Skin contact with water, including sensitive areas such as being visible to the naked eye. Sometimes algae can be mixed the eyes, ears, mouth and nose, may cause irritation, skin in the water column, or produce a smelly, thick scum on the rash, flu-like symptoms, and fever. water surface. • Eating fish and other food caught in algae-affected waters Not all blooms are toxic, but in the interest of public safety, we may present a health risk. There have been reports of treat them as toxic until the water has been tested. people becoming sick after eating fish caught in algae- Algal blooms are expected to occur every year with varying affected lakes. severity and can persist for weeks, months or even an entire Children are more susceptible to the effects of toxins. season if the right conditions exist. Boiling algae-affected water will not remove algae toxins or make the water safe to drink. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about your health. Fact sheet: Blue-green algae and recreation

Blue-green algal blooms: risks to lake users

How can lake users keep safe during blue- What can be done about blue-green algal green algal blooms? blooms? To protect visitors from exposure to blue-green algae toxins, Seqwater is working in partnership with researchers to better some water-based recreation activities are restricted when understand blue-green algal blooms and their toxins. We are algal blooms occur. also improving the health of our lakes and catchments by reducing nutrient and sediment input from the surrounding land When blue-green algae levels are high, Seqwater lakes will and improving ecosystem function. be closed to primary contact (in-water) activities such as swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing and tubing. We closely monitor our water storages for algae toxins and restrict access to lakes for some water-based activities when When blue-green algae levels are extreme, lakes will remain algae and toxin levels are high. closed for primary contact activities. Seqwater will also issue an advisory notice for secondary contact (on-water) activities As a community, we can help prevent blue-green algal blooms such as boating, fishing and paddling, recommending people by limiting the amount of nutrients in the water and promoting avoid contact with the water. ecological health. While your safety at our water storage lakes is our priority, Detergents and fertilisers contain a high concentration of it is your responsibility. To reduce the risk of exposure, avoid nitrogen and phosphorus, so we can all play our part by: contact with the water until blue-green algae levels return to acceptable limits. Follow the advice of Seqwater employees • preventing nutrients from washing into roadside drains and signage in affected areas. that flow into local waterways, e.g. by washing the car on the lawn rather than on the road • using phosphorus-free detergents • reducing the use of fertilisers where possible • helping to rehabilitate waterways • preventing land erosion, where possible, to stop soil washing into waterways. For more information Information about blue-green algae at our lakes and the potential health impacts is available on our website, through social media channels, mobile app, and signage. If you have further questions, please contact us: w seqwater.com.au e [email protected] p 1800 771 497 f facebook.com/seqwater Your safety at our lakes and parks is our priority. t @seqwater