Townsville City Council’s regular ecological water quality testing program has detected a blue-green algal bloom in Keyatta Lake between Ingham Rd and Woolcock St at West End.
Division nine representative, Councillor Liam Mooney, said algal blooms were common in the tropics.
“Algal blooms are caused by an excess of nutrients being washed into the lake. These nutrients can come from lawn fertiliser, grass clippings and soil. They then combine with favourable weather conditions, which makes the algae bloom,” Cr Mooney said.
“Council has erected signage around the lake advising the public to avoid contact with the water.
“Pets should be kept away from the water and any fish caught should not be consumed until conditions improve.”
Blue green algae can cause skin irritation and make pets sick if they drink the water.
Council will continue to monitor the algal bloom.
