High levels of the potentially toxic algae was detected during routine monitoring.

The algae can be dangerous to humans and animals. Characteristic signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose or, if swallowed, nausea and vomiting.

Council’s manager of environmental health and local laws Susannah Milne said members of the public are advised to avoid contact with water at Lake Neangar and Kennington Reservoir.

“A lack of inflow and ongoing warm temperatures has created ideal conditions for the algal blooms,” Ms Milne said.

“Visitors to Lake Neangar and Kennington Reservoir should obey the warning signs that are located at various points around the area.

“They should keep their dogs on a lead at all times to stop them from entering the water.”

Council will continue to closely monitor the situation at both the lake and reservoir.

Boating, fishing, sightseeing and other activities that do not involve direct water contact can still be enjoyed.

Care should be exercised when near the water and people who come into contact with the water should wash their skin immediately in clean water.

Blue-green algae are very small and can be present in water where there are no obvious signs of a problem.

Visual inspections of the water cannot be relied on to determine the presence of high algae levels. 

Most blue-green algae blooms do not last long; often disappearing after a few weeks but when conditions remain favourable, blooms can last longer.

It is the third year in a row that blue-green algae has been discovered in the Bendigo area.

Last year the algae was detected in Kennington Reservoir and Lake Weeroona.

In 2013, Lake Tom Thumb and Kennington Reservoir had high levels of blue green algae while Lake Weeroona had non-toxic levels and no water quality issues.

Council regularly monitors Bendigo’s urban lakes for blue green algae.

For more information go to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Environmental_Health_and_Local_Laws/Blue_Green_Algae