Logan City Council has issued a warning for residents to avoid contact with Tygum Park lagoon in Waterford West after a bloom of blue-green algae.
A council spokesperson said routine testing identified the bloom, which began in February.
A bloom of blue-green algae was also detected in Tygum Park lagoon in August 2024
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are a form of bacteria that can be found in almost all water ecosystems. In high concentrations, the bacteria are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife.
The council has urged residents and their pets to avoid all contact with the water and to wash contaminated clothing or skin with soap and clean water to avoid any long-term effects.
Warning signs have been reinstated around the lagoon following their “unauthorised removal”.
Contact with cyanobacteria can cause health issues like skin irritation and nausea. According to Water Quality Australia, in severe cases, exposure to cyanobacteria toxins can cause liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, and nervous system damage.
Blooms of blue-green algae are often observed after hot temperatures and periods of heavy rainfall, a council spokesperson said.
“Weather conditions, such as the heat and high rainfall experienced in summer, can cause blue-green algae to increase to large numbers.”
“Council will continue to monitor the park, with temporary warning signs staying in place until conditions have returned to usual.”
