Water Quality Testing Results

Bacterial Water Testing

Bacterial water testing is undertaken at various sites in the ACT, to check for the content of the potentially harmful bacteria faecal coliforms. 

The National Health and Medical Research Council's Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water stipulates which recreational activities are safe for people depending on the levels of bacteria in the water, and recognises two broad categories of water use, Primary and Seconday Contact. The level of bacteria considered safe for primary contact activities is considerably lower than that for secondary contact activities.

• Primary Contact: activities which involve direct contact with water such as swimming and wading.
• Secondary Contact: activities which generally don't require direct contact with water such as canoeing, boating and rowing.

The ACT Health Protection Service collects water samples on the first working day of the week. The bacterial test results and recommendations for safe use are then sent to PCL. As soon as the results are available, they are entered in the table below and the warning signs at various swimming areas are adjusted as required. 

Bacterial levels are known to be higher after rainfall due to the effect of the quantity of material collecting in stormwater pipes, grazing land and upstream water bodies between rain events. If there has been significant rainfall since the water samples were taken, PCL may display the warning against swimming sign as a precaution. However, please be aware that bacterial levels may be high after rainfall even if the warning against swimming is not displayed.   

Current water quality results:

Water safety alerts 

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.

 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. 

Further information

• Water Quality in Our Lakes, Ponds and Rivers
• Water Resources Data
• Water Catchments in the ACT