Water treatment upgrades ahead of blue-green algae season

Guyra Dam (above) is prone to outbreaks of blue-green algae as the weather warms

08th Sep 2026

Armidale Regional Council has completed significant upgrades to the Guyra Water Treatment Plant ahead of the upcoming Blue-Green Algae (BGA) season, improving its ability to manage taste and odour impacts associated with algal activity and strengthening the resilience of Guyra’s drinking water supply.
As warmer weather approaches and conditions become more favourable for algal growth, Council is also reminding residents to remain aware of BGA risks and to follow any advice issued when alerts are in place.
Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood said Council had taken proactive steps to improve the region’s preparedness ahead of future BGA events.
“Council understands the frustration many residents have experienced in the past. Significant upgrades have now been completed at the Guyra Water Treatment Plant to improve our ability to manage taste and odour issues associated with algal activity,” said Cr Redwood.
“While the algae is a natural phenomenon, we want to reassure residents that treated drinking water continues to be rigorously tested and managed in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure it remains safe to drink.”
Residents connected to the Armidale town water supply should not experience the same taste and odour issues that have affected some Guyra residents during previous BGA events, as the Armidale Water Treatment Plant has ozone treatment infrastructure.
Recent upgrades at the Guyra Water Treatment Plant have now strengthened treatment capability and reduced the likelihood of future taste and odour impacts in Guyra’s town water supply.
Residents connected to the Guyra town water supply may still occasionally notice earthy or musty tastes and odours during periods of elevated algal activity. However, while these characteristics can be unpleasant, they do not necessarily indicate that the water is unsafe. Council advises residents that boiling water will not remove these tastes or odours and may make them more noticeable.
Council reminds residents that untreated raw water should not be used for domestic purposes unless it has been appropriately treated, regardless of whether a BGA alert is in place. During a BGA alert, the risks increase significantly, and affected water may become unsuitable for stock and domestic use. This includes customers connected to the Malpas Dam Raw Water Pipeline. Consuming affected water may cause illness in people, while livestock can become unwell and, in severe cases, exposure may result in animal deaths.
Recreational users are also encouraged to avoid contact with affected waterways and dams when BGA alerts are in place. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and other activities involving direct water contact should be avoided until alerts are lifted. Contact with contaminated water may cause skin and eye irritation, while swallowing affected water can result in stomach illness. Pet owners are also encouraged to keep animals away from affected water bodies during alert periods.
“Blue-Green Algae can develop quickly when conditions are favourable, which is why ongoing monitoring is so important,” said Cr Redwood.
“We encourage residents, landowners and recreational users to stay informed and follow any advice issued by Council to help protect themselves, their families and their animals.”
Council works closely with WaterNSW, NSW Public Health and other relevant agencies to monitor BGA conditions throughout the region and will continue to provide updates through its website, social media channels and other communication platforms when alerts are issued or lifted.

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Water treatment upgrades ahead of blue-green algae season

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