If another bloom occurs, signage will be placed in affected locations and updates will be published online via the Patterson Lakes Community Hubs Community Hub.

Blue-green algae (known scientifically as Cyanobacteria) is a natural organism found in water bodies, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea. Algae can exist in both salt and fresh water, and forms part of a natural ecosystem.

Individual cells are very small and normally not visible. But under certain environmental conditions numbers can increase rapidly, and blooms become easily visible across the water surface.

Many factors trigger blue-green algae blooms. They usually occur because of a combination of:

• high nutrient levels
• warm weather
• increased light
• low storage volumes.

Blue-green algae blooms generally occur over the summer period.