A COMBINATION of hot weather and reduced water flows has caused
a blue-green algae outbreak in Horseshoe Lagoon, killing up to
1000 European carp. West Albury residents have complained about
the strong smell of dead fish, describing the odour as pungent
and gassy. Albury Council’s water group leader Colin Johnson
said the blooms were also attributed to higher than normal
nutrient levels in the treated water being discharged from the
Kremur Street treatment plant. “Blue-green algae depletes oxygen
levels in water and can produce toxins that can potentially pose
a risk to the health of humans, animals and the environment,” he
said. “The lagoons do not usually have blue-green algae,
although it can be a seasonal occurrence in most aquatic
systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea. “It
can be caused by a number of factors including nutrient levels,
low inflows, low storage volumes and warm weather conditions.”
Following the completion of maintenance work, flows will return
to normal levels over the