Council update regarding algal bloom

Dear Noosa Waters Residents Association, 

Council has received several notifications from residents regarding algal blooms currently affecting sections of the Noosa Waters canals. Council is fully aware of the situation, and staff have been actively investigating over the past week.

Laboratory analyses of samples collected from the canals confirmed the presence of both algae and some cyanobacteria. The dominant algae species has been identified as Rhizoclonium spp., a naturally occurring filamentous algae that can form thick mats in slow-moving waters. It is not known to produce toxins and is not considered harmful to public health. Cyanobacterial taxa were detected in the samples but were not identified as potentially toxic.

Blooms of this nature are typical for this time of year and are influenced by seasonal conditions, including warmer temperatures and elevated nutrient levels from stormwater discharge and residential runoff (e.g. fertilisers and grass clippings). They generally persist for 4–6 weeks before naturally declining.

Community concern has been heightened this year due to the canal pumping system being offline for a period of time, which reduced water circulation and flushing. Council’s infrastructure team has since completed maintenance, and the salinity pump is now operating at full capacity and normal times since the 16^th August. 

Council staff will monitor the bloom over the coming weeks to gauge if any intervention is required.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries.

Kind regards, 

Jonci

Jonci Wolff | Executive Officer

Office of the CEO & Mayor | Noosa Council

NWRA Note:

Our suggestion is to avoid handling the algae, or at least wear protecting clothing. While the Council's analysis identifies the species as not harmful to public health, anecdotal evidence from previous algal blooms indicates that it could cause infections in cuts etc. This may have been caused by other water-borne agents and not the algae, but please play it safe!