Environmental Health Services assists the Council's Environment Department with Blue Green Algae issues in Geelong.

Algae are familiar as the large brown kelp in coastal waters, the green scum in a puddle, and the green stains on soil or on rocks. Algae thrive throughout light (sunny) zones of water bodies, hence why Blue Green Algae issues are more prominent during the summer months. The presence of low numbers of Blue Green Algae in a water body is quite normal. Excessive numbers however can cause many problems. Various sites throughout Geelong City are tested annually during the summer season.

During algal bloom periods Council will post advisory warning signs at the affected site. The signs will state, "Council advises that due to the high levels of Blue Green Algae present in the water, contact for both human and animals can be harmful to health and therefore swimming is prohibited.