February 18, 2010
‘Red alert’ issued for toxic algae bloom in Murray River
February 17, 2010 PEOPLE are being warned to avoid contact with the Murray River for the second time in less than a year, as a toxic algal bloom takes hold in the river’s upper reaches. A ”red alert” has been issued for more than 150 kilometres between Hume Dam and Cobram, while the stretch from Cobram to Echuca is under a high amber warning. A red alert means people and animals should avoid any contact with river water; amber means people should not drink the water but can use the river for recreation. Tourism in Victoria’s Murray towns suffered last year when an 800-kilometre bloom struck around the Easter holidays.
