Canberrans were disgusted to see – and smell – blue-green algae on Lake Burley Griffin over the long weekend.
A warmer-than-normal autumn had resulted in a late blue-green algae bloom, a National Capital Authority spokesperson said.
In the short term, practical options to treat blue-green algae in the lake were limited, the NCA spokesperson said.
The ACT Government said it was prioritising programs and projects that reduced the inflow of nutrient pollution and lowered their chances of flowing into the lakes each time it rained.
The government worked on reducing soil erosion, increasing rain infiltration into soils, and improving fertilising, watering, mowing, and street sweeping.
The government also provided health advice to the community on algal blooms and told them how they could help to keep waterways healthy.