Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has advised that a blue-green algae red alert is in effect for the Murrumbidgee River at Mittagang Crossing outside Cooma, as of 4pm Tuesday May 13, 2025.
PHOTO: An aerial view of the affected area at Mittagang Crossing, Cooma.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Under a red-level algae alert, untreated water is not safe to use for any purpose.”
“Untreated water from the affected area must not be used as a source of human or animal drinking water.”
“All recreational activities in the affected area of the Murrumbidgee River are prohibited, including fishing, boating and swimming. Contact with the waterbody must be avoided.”
“Cooma’s potable water supply is not affected by this alert.“
PHOTO: Blue-green Algae can produce toxins that can harm people and animals if consumed CREDIT: NSW DPIE
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has issued this alert in conjunction with WaterNSW, following visual identification of blue-green algae at Mittagang Crossing.
Council advised treated water from the Cooma Water Treatment Plant is stringently and frequently tested, and tap water for all properties connected to the town water supply remains entirely safe to use for all purposes.
“Council is working closely with WaterNSW and NSW Health to address this situation,” said the SMRC spokesperson.
“The red-level alert for untreated water in Mittagang Crossing area of the Murrumbidgee River will remain in place until monitoring and testing results show it is safe for normal use to resume.”
For more information about this alert, please visit the WaterNSW Algae Alerts Map at https://qrco.de/algae-alerts, or the WaterInsights portal at https://qrco.de/waterinsights.
Contact Council with any questions or concerns.
Email [email protected] or call the SMRC water and wastewater team on 1300 345 345.