Farm dams are vulnerable to blue-green algal blooms, as are the coastal and inland dams and rivers of NSW.

A blue-green algal bloom is a rapid increase in the number of blue-green algae, and usually, but not always, occurs in summer months.

This Primefact is designed to help farmers prevent and control the growth of blue-green algae in their farm dams.

The following topics are covered:

• What are blue-green algae?
• How do I know if my dam contains blue-green algae?
• How does blue-green algae affect livestock?
• Can I use water containing blue-green algae for irrigation?
• Should I use an algicide?
• What triggers blue-green algae growth?
• How can I prevent blue-green algae blooms?