The long running annual blue-green algae management program facilitated by Green Adelaide and partners has begun to keep Torrens Lake open during a busy summer period of events.
The program, running since 2013, manages blue-green algae through regular monitoring and decisions around management actions, if required. This keeps this section of the Torrens, between Torrens Weir to the Frome Street Bridge, known as Torrens Lake, safely open to the public.
Blue-green algae is a different species to the marine algal bloom present in areas of the Adelaide metropolitan coast.
Green Adelaide Director Brenton Grear says blue-green algae are naturally occurring microscopic bacteria that occur in freshwater, but if levels get too high, they can release toxins that are potentially harmful to wildlife and people.
“The levels of blue-green algae can rise quickly in Torrens Lake over the warmer, usually drier summer months, which is why levels are monitored extremely closely,” Mr Grear said.
“If levels are beginning to get too high, we lead discussions with the program management group to decide on the best course of action for managing blue-green algae, and keeping the lake open.”
Mr. Grear said management action, including the release of fresh water for blue-green algae dispersal, has not been required since 2021.
“We are pleased with how the management program has proceeded recently. However, with forecasted dry and hot conditions for summer we are aware that there remains a possibility that blue-green algae levels could rise quickly.”
The program will closely monitor levels of blue-green algae from December through to March to keep Torrens Lake safely open to the public.
The management program is delivered by the Torrens Lake Cyanobacteria Advisory Committee, with membership consisting of Green Adelaide, 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.