Sign up to receive blue-green algae alerts on WaterInsights

People can now sign up to receive alerts about potentially toxic blue-green algae in dams and rivers across the state, by creating a free account on WaterInsights.

Algae alerts are now available on WaterInsights, and we want as many water users as possible to sign up so they can safely enjoy our dams and recreational areas.

It’s important that visitors check for blue-green algae alerts before they visit a WaterNSW dam, or enter any other lakes, rivers or waterways across NSW. Potentially toxic blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, while contact can cause skin and eye irritations.

Simply create a free account at https://waterinsights.waternsw.com.au/ and select the water sources you use, to be immediately notified of any blue-green algae alerts that occur in that area.

WaterInsights collates data from WaterNSW and other government agency systems, so that it’s all in one place. Data is refreshed every 15 minutes.

Water users should be aware of the risks associated with entering any waterway in NSW. These waters are untreated, their quality is often unknown, and conditions can change rapidly. Always exercise caution and assess the risks.

We want visitors to be switched on to safety at WaterNSW dams and recreational areas. Our sites are natural environments, and there are hazards to be aware of, in and out of the water.

Water quality alerts are part of WaterNSW’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation and modernising our systems and processes, to make life easier for our customers and the public.

Background - WaterInsights

WaterInsights collates data from WaterNSW systems as well as the Bureau of Meteorology, Murray Darling Basin Authority, and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

You can access data and information about:

• Water quality data such as algal levels
• River flows and levels
• Historical data on dam and stream levels, water allocation and use
• Volumes in storage, used and traded
• Water availability, allocation and account balances for water customers
• Rules and conditions that govern water management.

Create a free WaterInsights account to subscribe to algae alerts

Create a free account at www.waterinsights.waternsw.com.au to personalise your experience and receive alerts and notifications from water sources relevant to you, and WaterNSW operational updates.

• Recreational users can check water quality or flow forecasts in lakes and rivers.
• Researchers can see how much water is available and who’s using it.
• Water licence holders can access a wide range of operational and archived data, which includes gauge site summary metadata reports and bore construction reports.

Background – Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-flowing water when there is abundant sunlight and sufficient nutrients.

When a red alert is issued for toxic levels of blue-green algae, people should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into direct contact with the waterbody until the red alert warning is lifted.

People should also avoid consuming untreated water from the waterbody and prevent pets and livestock from drinking this water.

Consumption of water containing algal toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins. People who suspect they have been affected by blue-green algae should seek medical advice.