Amber alert for blue-green algae at Ben Chifley Dam

Bathurst Regional Council has issued an amber alert for blue-green algae, which means algae is likely multiplying in numbers.

It's another blow for recreational dam users, coming as the dam sits at historic lows and at a time of the year when campers and skiers have previously flocked to the area for the holidays.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

"The water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour," council's website advises.

"The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered.

"The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. The water remains suitable for recreational use."

Meanwhile, the water at level at Ben Chifley Dam keeps dropping by about one percentage point a week as the hot, dry conditions continue across the Bathurst region.

The dam is now sitting at 36 per cent, the lowest level since the dam wall was raised in 2000.

This time 12 months ago the dam was at 58 per cent, it was at 90 per cent in December 2017 and was full to capacity in December 2016.