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The highest alert level – the red alert – was raised after blue-green algae were detected in the Richmond River near Jabour Weir.
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Richmond Valley Council stepped up its water treatment efforts after algae were detected this week.
Board director general Vaughan Macdonald said hot and dry conditions contributed to the situation.
The casino’s water supply comes from the Richmond River and Mr. Macdonald said the matter is “a serious concern”.
The algae bloom comes as the council is considering whether water restrictions will need to be put in place, just two days after the summer.
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“Hopefully, we’ll get some rain soon,” Macdonald said.
“But in the meantime, the municipality strongly encourages residents to be aware of their water use and helps reduce strain on the city’s water supply.
“We have worked closely with NSW Health to monitor the situation and ensure that the city’s drinking water is safe,” he said.
“This includes introducing further water treatment processes, such as a higher dosage with manganese, a natural mineral that helps remove blue-green algae from the water and ensures it is safe to drink.
“While customers may notice discoloration and a slight odor in the water due to excess manganese, the important thing is to address the algae problem and the potential health risk it can present.”
He said the council has issued a serious warning to residents following NSW Health’s advice.
This warning urged residents not to swim or have direct contact with the river.
Pets should also be prevented from swimming or drinking untreated water.
“This is the highest level alarm – red alert – so we need to take it seriously and listen to the advice of health experts,” he said.
Children and people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are the most at risk, but everyone should avoid swimming in river water, as contact with algae can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and eyes. ears.
Dogs are also sensitive as they can ingest algae by licking their coat after swimming. People who fish in the river should be careful to wash their caught fish thoroughly in clean, treated water.
Blue-green algae are known to cause severe disease in livestock, so owners should carefully check water supplies for signs of algae and remove broth from streams where surface scum is visible or suspected. blue-green algae.
Warning signs have been erected in several locations and the council will continue to test the water regularly, Macdonald said.
“Hopefully the forecast rain will help alleviate the situation, but river levels are low at the moment, high temperatures are increasing algae growth and we need to take precautions,” he said.
“If there is a change in the situation, we will let the community know through local updates and on social media.”
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