Checking water quality in lakes, ponds and rivers
Before swimming, boating or fishing, you should check water quality reports to avoid becoming sick.
How to check water quality
Go to the following websites to check the status of a waterway.
The status of recreational water sites is published online and signposted as an indicator only. Testing results are updated weekly during the recreational season, however testing cannot account for changes in water quality post-sampling such as rainfall events or major inflows into the water body.
Risks
Agricultural and urban run-off can introduce chemicals, stormwater, litter, sewage and animal waste to the water. Heavy rain can produce more run-off and lower water quality, putting you at risk for several days following rainfall.
You can become sick from microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and algae. All waterways contain these microorganisms, but their numbers vary.
The most common illness from poor water quality is gastroenteritis. Respiratory, skin, ear and eye infections are less common. These illnesses are usually mild and short.
See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after swimming in recreational water bodies, or if symptoms get worse or you're not getting better.
Find out about blue-green algae.
Heavy rain
Microbial water quality is strongly influenced by factors such as rainfall, which generally lead to relatively short periods of elevated faecal pollution.
You should avoid using waterways for several days after heavy rain, or where there is heavy algal blooms or scum layers. This is regardless of the listed recreational status.
Hazards
There aren't lifeguards on duty at ACT waterways, even within designated swimming zones.
Storms, floods or cold temperatures can cause hazards that can lead to severe injury, hypothermia or death.
Be sure to check for signposts at each recreation area you visit to see if the waterway is closed or if there are any dangers.