Water Quality in Our Lakes, Ponds and Rivers

Water Quality Results  (Bacterial monitoring results)

Updates

Molonglo Reach Water Ski Area

Molonglo Reach Water Ski Area is CLOSED due to safety concerns.

The lowering of the water levels in Lake Burley Griffin by the National Capital Authority in November 2011 is expected to impact the Molonglo Reach Water Ski Area for a period of 12-18 months. Conditions in the Water Ski Area have been further altered by recent heavy rains that have mobilised large quantities of sediment and debris from upstream.

The ACT Government is conducting underwater surveys to determine what works are required to reopen the area. Alternative locations that may be suitable for tightly controlled water skiing within the ACT are being investigated.

Lake Tuggeranong - Extreme blue-green algae alert 

The Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate has issued an extreme alert level for blue‐green algae in Lake Tuggeranong. As exposure to this level of blue‐green algae carries an
increased health risk, the lake is closed to primary‐contact recreation. This action has been taken in accordance with the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality
following advice from ACT Health.

Primary‐contact recreation means recreation that involves whole‐body water contact or submersion of the head. Examples include swimming, diving, waterskiing and windsurfing. Secondary‐contact
recreation such as rowing, fishing, boating and canoeing will still be permitted, however, people should not engage in secondary‐contact recreation unless:
 they are experienced;
 they are informed of the algae risks and what to do if contact occurs;
 they do not engage in primary‐contact during the recreation; and
 shower facilities, with suitable water, are available for washing after the recreation.

In particular, contact with algal scum should be avoided. Clothing that has been in the water should be washed to remove any blue‐green algae residue.
Water event organisers should ensure all participants are aware of the blue‐green algae alert level, the associated exposure risks and provide adequate shower facilities.
Pet owners should not allow their animals to swim in or drink the water, as blue‐green algae can make pets very ill or even result in death.
Algae levels can change quickly. Water users should look for algae warnings signs which indicate the current algae alert level.
Anyone concerned about possible symptoms of blue‐green algae exposure following water
exposures should contact their GP.

For more information on blue‐green algae and Alert Levels go to the Directorate’s website at www.environment.act.gov.au or contact the Environment Protection Authority through Canberra
Connect on 13 22 81.

General

The ACT Government monitors the environmental status of Canberra's lakes, ponds and rivers and advises changes in water quality conditions in relation to bacteria and blue green algae and how it affects public use. General water quality parameters are also monitored to pick up long term trends. Before engaging in water recreation activities please check the status of both bacteria and blue green algae and Notices.

Bacterial Monitoring

The ACT Health Protection Service conducts bacterial monitoring of water samples from various sites at Lake Tuggeranong, Lake Ginninderra and Molonglo, Cotter, and Murrumbidgee Rivers from September to April each year, on behalf of Parks, Conservation and Land (PCL). PCL places the bacterial monitoring results on the web, and alters the warning signs located at various swimming areas to opened or closed as required. Lake Burley Griffin is managed and monitored by the National Capital Authority 

Blue Green Algae 

Throughout the year the Environment Protection Authority within the Department of Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water conducts analysis of the water quality for Blue-Green Algae at various sites in the ACT. Lake Burley Griffin is managed and monitored by the National Capital Authority 

Further information on water quality in the ACT