Green Adelaide has kicked off its annual blue-green algae management program to prevent poisonous algal blooms and to keep the Torrens Lake in the CBD open during summer.
The program has been successfully underway since 2013 to stop regular blue-green algae outbreaks through close monitoring and the release of managed flows of freshwater when required, to keep this section of the Torrens, between Torrens Weir to the Frome Street Bridge, known as Torrens Lake, safely open to the public.
Green Adelaide Director Brenton Grear said blue-green algae are a naturally occurring microscopic bacteria that live in water, but when there’s a lot of it around it can result in toxins that are harmful for people and wildlife.
"The levels of blue-green algae in Torrens Lake can rise quickly during the summer when the water is stagnant and hot," Mr. Grear said.
"So, to keep blue-green algae at bay, the program monitors the levels and if they get too high, we organise the release of managed flows of fresh water from Kangaroo Creek Reservoir at short notice and enable that flow to quicky pass through the river system and out the Torrens Outlet.
"The program has benefits for native wildlife by providing water at a dry time of year. It is also important to look after Adelaide’s iconic river during the busy summer period when many events are centred around the riverbank precinct."
To help water from summer rainfall or a managed flow release easily flow out to sea, the program includes excavating a small channel at Torrens Outlet in Henley Beach South, which is scheduled to commence Monday 9 December and last for 3 to 5 days. The sand excavated from the channel will be placed in the adjacent northerly meandering channel, which will help to protect dunes from erosion by river flows.
BirdLife Australia staff and volunteers will ensure the safety of threatened hooded plover birds that may be nesting on the beach. The program is delivered by Green Adelaide with the Department for Environment and Water, SA Water, Environment Protection Authority, City of Adelaide, and the City of Charles Sturt. For more information read our blue-green algae FAQs