“It’s a common problem during times of drought,” said Cole Davis, director of engineering at Junee Shire Council.

The red alert is the highest caution level for inland bodies of water. 

“The alert is so high because of the concentration of algae in the water,” said Mr Cole.

“At some points it looks like grass all over the top, it’s that thick.”

The alert was distributed on Monday afternoon, and will remain in place until the algae is cleared.

“Hopefully it will flush away with the next bit of rain that comes through,” said Mr Cole.

“It is a stagnate pond, so the only way it flows is with rain.”

As the waterway across from Burns Park was never intended as a recreational area, Mr Cole is confident Junee residents will not fall fowl of the toxic depth.

However, neighbouring the ground is a major off-the-lead dog spot, so Mr Cole said erecting the signs around the waters was intended to warn dog-walkers of the potential danger.

“We certainly wouldn’t want anyone’s dog jumping in and ending up sick because of it,” he said.