Melton City Council is urging the public to avoid contact with the water in Lake Caroline due to a blue-green algal bloom.
Testing has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae and council has installed warning signs advising people of the risks associated with the algal bloom.
Blue-green algae is quite common, however higher levels often occur due to dry weather following heavy spring rain and high temperatures promoting algae growth.
If contact is made with the water, people should remove wet clothing and wash themselves or their pets thoroughly with fresh water.
According to health.vic, Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation, mild respiratory effects and hayfever-like symptoms. Ingesting toxins can also cause gastroenteritis symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches. Toxins can also have an effect on the liver and the nervous system.
Council will increase monitoring of Lake Caroline and conduct regular water tests.
Council will also run the fountain on Lake Caroline more regularly to increase aeration and help treat the algae.
Melton council Operations Manager Brendan Sell said blue-green algal blooms occur naturally and can reproduce in favourable conditions.
“The most important thing you can do is to keep your family and pets away of the water until the
bloom has cleared. If you’re walking your dog, you may need to keep them on a shorter lead,” he said.
Residents can keep up to date at melton.vic.gov.au/lakecarolineupdates
