Water Quality in Our Lakes, Ponds and Rivers

• Water Quality Results  (Bacterial monitoring results)
• Notices important information providing background information relating to closures.

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