FREQUENT users of Lake Hume have urged the public to act with common sense after Water NSW issued a red alert for blue-green algae.

The alert, which was released on Saturday morning, applies for the entire lake, and encourages people not to come in direct contact with the water.

The water authority was unable to provide more information when contacted on the weekend.

However several businesses near Lake Hume reported algae could not be seen in their areas, and were advising people to enter at their own risk.

The alert did not seem to deter people from swimming in the water either, with the lake proving to be a popular destination to beat the heat yesterday.

Russell Mason, owner of fishing business The Compleat Angler, said common sense was key.

“It's all about communication, when warnings go out a lot of people don't understand what they mean,” he said.

While Water NSW's statement advised against eating crayfish caught in red alert areas, it did recommend cleaning and washing fish before consumption.

“The tip you'd give is to take any fish you catch and wash them properly at home,” Mr Mason said.

“I've had no problems myself.

“That's the scare we get after these sorts of things, but you want to reassure people that there's no issue fishing.”

Others, including the Albury-Wodonga Yacht Club and Albury councillor David Thurley, also called for a measured approach.

Committee member for the yacht club, Mary-Anne Scully, said it was important for people to monitor the conditions via the Water NSW website.

The club held their regular weekly race series on Sunday morning after reviewing the conditions on the lake beforehand.

“It's something we monitor, but it's one of those things we can't control – like everyone, we'd love a bit of rain to flush it out,” she said.

“If people are going to go to the lake they really need to make their own judgement, we'd really encourage people to make use of the Water NSW website.” 

Cr Thurley also advised people looking to beat the heat to exercise caution in the wake of the red alert.

“It is certainly a concern, everyone around here knows how important the weir is,” he said.

“Although it's the end of the holiday season, there are still a lot of recreational visitors and people camping around the area, so this is a very important issue.

“The most important thing to me is to listen when there are specific warnings for certain areas.”

12.30PM SATURDAY:

Low water levels and high temperatures have led to a red alert for blue-green algae being issued for Lake Hume.

Water NSW issued the alert on Saturday morning, which indicates that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water such as swimming.

Updates about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by calling 1800 999 457.

“People are advised not to enter the water, not to drink untreated water or bathe in water drawn from the river while this red alert level warning is in place,” the statement reads.

“Town water supplies remain unaffected and safe to drink.

More on blue-green algae:

“Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is visible or blue-green algae are suspected.

“People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Alert warning areas.

“Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.

“Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water. It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and generally has a strong musty or earthy odour.

“The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritations after contact. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins.”

The red alert applies throughout the lake and and regular monitoring will take place with the alert to be lifted as soon as high levels of algae dissipate.

A large outbreak of blue-green algae took place in 2016, affecting Lake Hume, Mulwala to Torrumbarry Weir.

Correction:

And earlier version of this article stated a large outbreak of blue-green algae took place in 2016, affecting Cobram and Barmah on February 23 and then spreading from Lake Mulwala to Torrumbarry Weir, and then Corowa on February 29 and Lake Hume