An outbreak of toxic blue-green algae has been confirmed in the Lower Darling River placing the area around Burtundy on a red level alert for algae.

The algae can cause gastroenteritis and skin and eye irritations and the water is unsuitable for recreation or domestic use and may also pose a threat to livestock.

Blue-green algae levels are also increasing around Pooncarie, and people are being advised against drinking the untreated water.