Townsville City Council is advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the lakes near CastleTown shopping centre in Hyde Park and near Bunnings in Idalia after blue green algal blooms were detected.
Mayor Jenny Hill said algal blooms were a common and natural occurrence in tropical environments at this time of year.
Cr Hill said stormwater from the recent rain had washed nutrients into the lakes like lawn fertiliser, grass clippings and soil. These nutrients combined with very hot, still weather provide the perfect conditions for the algae to bloom.
“Council has erected signage around the lakes advising the public to avoid contact with the water,” Cr Hill said.
“Pets should be kept away from the water and any fish caught should not be consumed.
“Blue green algae can cause skin irritations and make pets sick if they drink the water.”
Council will continue water quality testing and will monitor the situation.
