The Peel River has suffered an algae outbreak this week, with a bloom of green algae changing the colour and clarity of the water in the system, particularly under the Jewry Street bridge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Water NSW confirmed the outbreak on Thursday via a statement, following testing undertaken by Tamworth Regional Council.
“Testing by Tamworth council indicates that it is green algae rather than the toxic blue-green algae,” the spokesperson said.
“There has been no red-alert issued for blue-green algae in the Peel River near Tamworth.”
Read more:
Meanwhile, dam levels around the region continue to fall, with Keepit Dam on the verge of drying up in the next six months.
Just 12 months ago Keepit was sitting at a healthy 67 per cent, although this week that level has fallen to just 11 percent, with only 47GL of water remaining.
“Keepit would be at less than 5 per cent by February if there is no rain by the end of summer,” the spokesperson said.
Split Rock is at 14 per cent capacity, while Chaffey is at 55 per cent.
