WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Pindari Dam located near Inverell.

The Red Alert warning applies only to untreated water at Pindari Dam and will remain in place until monitoring confirms that the risk is sufficiently diminished. People should avoid consuming untreated water from this waterbody and prevent pets and livestock from drinking this water.

People should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with this waterbody until the red alert warning is lifted.

Potentially toxic blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, while contact can cause skin and eye irritations. Consumption of water containing algal toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins.