City of Wagga Wagga Council has received a report providing an update on its blue-green algae treatment trial in Lake Albert.
Manager City Growth and Regional Assets Ben Creighton says the Waterzyme trial began in January this year and coincided with testing results that indicated a Red Alert level for blue-green algae.
Red alert levels represent ‘bloom’ conditions, according to Water NSW. The water may appear green and may have strong, musty or organically polluted odours. Blue-green algae may be visible as clumps or as scums. The ‘blooms’ should be considered to be toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for drinking (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation, the authority advises.
“It did have some impact but didn’t necessarily resolve all of the issues for us, so at this point in time, it’s about investigating what options are out there,” Mr Creighton said.
“The decision from councillors was for staff to continue to have discussions with other government organisations and suppliers of possible emerging treatments of blue-green algae.
“We will also continue to talk to Waterzyme around their product as well, with the potential to look at that again this year.
“At this stage, we will be looking to take a report to the new council closer to the summer season on what treatments would be available for the upcoming season.”
Councillors also received an update about sedimentation in the lake, after a hydrographic survey was conducted in late May 2024 to produce accurate depths of the lake and to provide an indication of the sediment hardness.
The survey found that the sediment accumulation was substantially less than had previously been anticipated.
It is recommended that staff continue to monitor the sediment accumulation and movement within the lake and continue to explore future sediment mitigation measures.
At a meeting this week, Councillors also discussed a draft Lake Albert Plan of Management, with the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure approving the draft Plan of Management for public exhibition.
The draft is expected to go on public exhibition during August.
In addition to the broader public consultation, the Council says detailed consultation will be undertaken with the lake users, surrounding residents and the Wiradjuri community.
Councillors also endorsed the consideration of allocating funding during the 2025/26 Financial Year towards the provision of sediment mapping, and towards implementing the actions and projects identified in the Lake Albert Management Plan.
