Seasonal algal blooms detected in Townsville lakes

Townsville City Council is reminding residents that algal blooms are a common occurrence in tropical waterways during the wet season and summer months.

Recent monitoring has detected blue-green algae in several local lakes, including Curralea and Keyatta Lakes near Castletown Shopping Centre, as well as Fairfield Lakes and surrounding waterways.

Seasonal rainfall, such as the recent wet weather, can wash nutrients like lawn fertiliser, grass clippings, and soil into lakes. These nutrients, combined with hot, still, and dry conditions, create ideal conditions for algae to bloom.

Algal blooms vary in size and species, but some blue-green algae can produce toxins that may cause skin irritation and make pets sick if they drink the water. Large blooms can also reduce water quality, deplete oxygen levels, and lead to fish kills. Council encourages residents to take precautions during the hotter months and observe signage around lakes and waterways indicating detected algal blooms or reduced water quality.

For affected lakes and waterways, Council advises:

• Avoid direct contact with water
• Keep pets away as they can become ill
• Do not consume fish caught in lakes
• Reporting odour issues and dead fish.

Council will continue to monitor blooms and water quality throughout the year.