Algae blooms in Lake Hurlingham and Neil McDougall Lake

Health Warning – Algae blooms Lake Hurlingham and Neil McDougall Lake

Due to recent rains and high nutrient levels in waterbodies Lake Hurlingham at Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth and Neil McDougall Lake at Neil McDougall Park, Como have Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms.

Water testing has occurred and identified two different species of the bacteria. The lakes will be continued to be monitored until the bloom has cleared.

Direct contact with these waterbodies should be avoided as there can be harmful effects for humans or animals. 

More information about algae can be found at Healthy WA.

The City’s Environmental Management team regularly monitor the City's lakes and waterbodies for the presence of aquatic weeds. Aquatic vegetation growth severity and frequency are only mitigated by controlling the nutrient supply to the waterbody. 

Algae
Algae is a small aquatic organism containing chlorophyll and produce energy from the sun and feed off nutrients in waterbodies. The most common algae in the City is filament forming green or brown algae which occur in lakes and waterbodies as well as the Swan and Canning Rivers. Blooms occur in the warmer weather and are a result of high nutrients in the water body. Generally the species which occur in lakes and wetlands within the City are non-toxic and not harmful to human or domestic animal health, however it is recommended that all algae is treated as potentially irritative just like you would treat most plants.

How you can help
Everyone can work toward reducing excess nutrients and pollution from entering waterbodies by: 
• Picking up animal droppings from lawns and parks and place them in bins provided. 
• Please do not feed native wildlife. This can increase faecal waste which affects the water quality. It can also be harmful to native wildlife. 
• Always place unwanted garden waste in a green waste bin, take it to the City's Recycling Centre or use it as mulch or compost for your home garden as opposed to fertilisers. Never dispose of green waste in or near a water body. 
• Wash your car, boat or caravan on the lawn as opposed to on the street or in the driveway and use phosphorus free detergents. This prevents chemicals and excess nutrients from entering waterways through the stormwater system. 
• Use fertilisers in moderation and follow the instructions carefully or seek alternatives. For more information visit www.fertilisewise.com.au.

To find out more visit the Environment page of the City's website.