Water quality alerts

SA Water routinely monitors the quality of several public water resources for microbiological abundance (e.g. blue green algae, E. coli, protozoa) and chemical concentrations and provides results to SA Health. Health advice will be issued when there is a health risk to the public.

Not all water sources in South Australia are tested for water quality.

Avoid contact with fresh water (e.g. rivers, lakes, creeks, dams) if it has scum or a coloured film on the surface.

Do not drink water unless you know it is safe. Untreated water can cause gastroenteritis including diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.

Current alerts

Marine Algal Bloom - updated 22 January 2026


A naturally occurring marine algal bloom is affecting parts of South Australia’s coastline.


This bloom can travel depending on weather and water conditions, and the types and concentrations of algae can change over time.


The predominant type of algae are the Karenia species. Initially, the most dominant Karenia species was identified as Karenia mikimotoi, which does not produce toxins that are harmful to humans but are an irritant to humans.


Evidence published in November 2025 identified Karenia cristata as being the dominant species in the bloom. Karenia cristata produces brevetoxins, which are neurotoxic shellfish poisons (NSP). Filter feeding shellfish such as oysters, mussels, scallops, and cockles can accumulate and concentrate these toxins from algae present in seawater.


Eating contaminated shellfish can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches and fatigue, joint and muscle pain, tingling around the mouth, fingers and toes, burning sensation or skin pain and extreme itchiness.


Brevetoxin has also been detected in a few areas where oysters, mussels, scallops and cockles are farmed and harvested. Shellfish harvesting in these areas has been stopped. See the SA Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) page on the PIRSA website for more details on water quality monitoring in shellfish harvesting areas and where it is regularly carried out.


Due to the changing nature of the bloom, different Karenia species can be dominant at different times and in different locations.



Health advice



The health advice following the identification of Karenia cristata as the dominant Karenia species remains the same.


South Australian beaches can still be enjoyed but it’s best to stay away from abnormally foamy or discoloured water, which may cause irritation.


If you do enter this water, or experience any irritation, rinse off with clean water afterwards.


Contact with water can cause: 


  • eye irritation
  • skin irritation (uncommon).


Contact with aerosols can cause:



  • eye irritation
  • cough and shortness of breath.


If you notice symptoms, move away from the beach or water. Most symptoms will resolve within hours of leaving the area.


From time to time, depending on weather conditions, strong winds and wave action may cause people living near affected beaches to experience eye, skin or respiratory symptoms while at home. If this happens, stay indoors with windows closed until conditions change or symptoms resolve. Some people may find using an air purifier to be helpful.


Advice for people with asthma


Some algal species, including Karenia cristata, can release biotoxins (specifically brevetoxins) into the air through wave action. Exposure to aerosols containing algal particles or brevetoxin may trigger symptoms in people with asthma.


People with asthma are advised to:



  • carry their reliever medication with them while on beaches, especially when there is thick foam or discoloured water
  • take their preventive medication as prescribed
  • check their asthma management plan is up-to-date.


People with known asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other form of chronic lung disease may be more vulnerable to the respiratory effects of biotoxins and should avoid areas where there is discoloured or foamy water, particularly if there is an onshore breeze.


International evidence indicates there are no long-term health consequences of exposure at the beach to either algal particles or biotoxins.


If you have symptoms that are severe or do not resolve, seek medical advice from your doctor. Call 000 in a medical emergency.



Seafood safety


All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

Bivalve molluscs (oysters, mussels, scallops, pipis and cockles) available for sale in a shop or restaurant are frequently tested to ensure they meet strict safety standards and are safe to eat.


If you catch fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, or squid yourself, they are safe to eat if cleaned thoroughly and gutted before cooking.


Do not eat self-collected bivalve molluscs (like oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis and scallops) or abalone, as they have not been tested for brevetoxin.



For more information


www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au


Goolwa Channel - updated 22 January 2026

Monitoring water quality

SA Water routinely monitors water quality from sites along the River Murray as part of ensuring safe drinking water. Results are also used to inform the community about water quality safety for domestic use (laundry, irrigation, bathroom etc) and recreational activities.

See the SA Water – water quality testing locations (PDF 106KB) to see where testing is regularly carried out.

Testing frequency

  • E. Coli - weekly to monthly, depending on location.
  • Nuisance cyanobacteria (Blue green algae) - weekly.
  • Chemicals - weekly to monthly, depending on location.

Testing other sources

SA Health and SA Water may test other water sources not listed above, and testing frequency will increase if there is a public health concern.

Blue green algae (cyanobacteria)

Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) can build up in fresh water, which can sometimes cause bright coloured surface scums or algae ‘blooms’ to form. Some blue green algae produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

Blackwater

Blackwater in the River Murray poses no direct public health risk. In a small number of people, blackwater may cause a skin irritation due to sensitivity to natural organic matter in the water. Currently there is no blackwater in the River Murray.

It is recommended not to drink water from the River Murray at any time unless it is treated.

For more information, see Blackwater on the Department for Environment and Water website.

Updated 22 January 2026

Information for health professionals

More information