Water quality alerts

SA Water routinely monitors the quality of several public water resources for microbiological (e.g. blue green algae, E. coli, protozoa) and chemical levels 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 10 September 2025


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


This bloom can travel depending on weather and water conditions.


The type of algae is the Karenia species, which is toxic to some fish and marine animals but only an irritant to humans.


Brevetoxin has been detected in a few areas where oysters, pipis, and mussels are farmed and harvested. Shellfish harvesting in these areas has been stopped.



Health advice



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


If you do enter this water, or experience any irritation, rinse off with clean water afterwards. If the water is clear, it’s fine to swim.


When the algae are broken up by wave action, algal particles can cause short-term irritation including:




  • skin irritation
  • 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 can release biotoxins into the air through wave action that 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 symptoms persist, see your doctor.



Seafood safety


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

Bivalve molluscs (oysters, mussels, scallops, 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, scallops) or abalone, as they have not been tested for brevetoxin which causes gastro like symptoms.



For more information


www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au


Goolwa Channel - updated 7 August 2025


SA Health advises it is now safe to resume swimming, diving or other activities that might involve accidental ingestion of water in the Goolwa Channel. The latest water quality results show the water no longer has elevated levels of potentially harmful blue green algae present.

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 done.

Testing frequency

  • E. Coli - weekly to monthly, depending on location.
  • Cyanobacteria - 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.

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.

Information for health professionals

More information