Type Status Location Last Updated
Community Update - Other - Stay Informed Unknown Loch Sport Last Thursday at 6:17 PM
This message is being issued for water quality at Lake Victoria in Loch Sport.

  • A marine algal bloom has been detected at Lake Victoria in Loch Sport.
  • Regular testing is being conducted to identify new outbreaks or changes that might indicate improved water quality.
  • This Community Information replaces the Community Information issued at 5:13 PM on 02 April 2026. 
You should avoid direct contact with affected water in Lake Victoria, Loch Sport.

Do not swim in affected areas or use water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the water will not make it safe. 
What you should do:
  • Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with affected water. 
  • Keep pets from drinking or swallowing affected water.
  • Visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality for more information. 
  • Observe information signs posted in the area.

    Protect your health:
  • Direct contact with water affected by this algae can cause skin irritation, sore eyes, ears and nose. If swallowed it can cause cramps, nausea and vomiting. 
  • If you do come into contact with affected water, rinse your skin after contact with any algae.
  • Boiling affected water does not make it safe to drink. Boiling water bursts the  algae cells and releases toxins into the water making it more likely that you will experience symptoms. 
  • If you are experiencing any health issues after contact with affected water seek medical advice from your local doctor or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
Protect your pets:
  • Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water.
Impacts in your area:
  • If the water is murky or discouloured, avoid contact.
  • If you see fish that are dead, dying or swimming erratically do not touch or eat them.
  • Visitors to the area are advised that they can still enjoy other recreational activities such as bushwalking and sightseeing. 
Boating and fishing:
  • Boating and fishing is still allowed in these areas, however, care needs to be taken.
  • For your own safety, do not collect or eat shellfish, prawns or crabs from this area.
  • Gut and gill any fish caught on the lake before cooking and eating. Don’t eat whole fish.

This message was issued by Dept. of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

The next update is expected by 07/04/2026 10:00 am or as the situation changes.

Information about harmful algal blooms:

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
  • For information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact the National Relay Service and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.