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Residents fear blue-green algae outbreak after pond not pumped for months

Craig DuncanBusselton Dunsborough Times
Residents believe a neighbourhood pond is starting to show signs of blue-green algae.
Camera IconResidents believe a neighbourhood pond is starting to show signs of blue-green algae. Credit: Stuart Anderson

Residents of a Busselton suburb are growing concerned a pond could become overrun with algae.

The pump in the pond on Almond Parkway lane in Yalyalup was turned off by City of Busselton workers at the start of winter and removed for repairs.

However, as summer approaches some residents are concerned about the pond’s water quality as the pump has not been in more than eight weeks.

Resident Stuart Anderson said the lack of a fountain meant there had been more mosquitoes in the area and the pond was showing signs of blue-green algae developing.

He said several residents had raised their concerns with the city but had been given no assurances about when a replacement pump would be installed.

City infrastructure and environment director Oliver Darby said the old pump was found to be beyond its usable life and was set to be replaced.

“The new pumps will be ready for delivery and installation in approximately two weeks,” he said.

Mr Darby said it was unlikely any algal blooms would occur at this time because weather was too cold.

“Due to the current replacement timeline, preventative treatments are not recommended or required,” he said.

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