Green: monitor level
Blue-green algae are present in the water at low densities but do not pose a threat to recreational, stock or domestic use. Weekly samples are being taken.
Amber: alert level
Blue-green algae may be multiplying in numbers. The water may have a green tinge and musty or organic odour. Water is unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or use prior treatment for domestic purposes. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. The water remains suitable for recreational use, however be aware that algal concentrations can change rapidly. Twice-weekly samples are being taken.
Red: action level
Algal 'bloom' conditions exist and continuous sampling is being undertaken. 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 toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for drinking (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation. People should not eat mussels or crayfish and any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. People should not use water for primary recreation.
Watch this video to find out more about water quality or you can read more about algae here.
This dashboard provides water management totals for the state including
Selecting one of these metrics provides further detail in the panel and also shows totals for selected water sources or dams on the map.
Selecting “water stored” will show on the dashboard the current volume and capacity of dam reservoirs and inline storage weirs managed by WaterNSW (and some others that contain NSW water resources namely Glenlyon, Dartmouth, Cochrane, Oberon and Lake Victoria). On the map, the size of the dam image reflects the capacity, and it is shaded to indicate how full it is.
Selecting “water available” will show on the dashboard the total volume of water already used by licence holders in the State this water year and what remains available to be used or traded, further broken down into water available in regulated water sources, in unregulated water sources and groundwater sources. The map shows a number of major water sources as icons with the size reflecting the total water allocated to licence holders in that water source and the shading indicating the percentage of allocated water remaining available for use by them. The volume used for unregulated surface water and groundwater depends upon when meters were last read, so is often higher than what is shown.
Selecting “water traded” will show on the dashboard the total volume and value of water in licences accounts that has been traded in the State in the last month. Both figures are also broken down into surface water and groundwater. For comparison, the dashboard also shows the total volume and value traded this water year. The map shows a number of major water sources and the total volume of water that has been traded in just that water source in the last month, and the weighted average price per megalitre.