How water quality is monitored
During the recreational season (October to April), ACT Health Protection Service samples water every week from recreational sites to assess their microbial quality.
Samples are taken at the start of the week and are analysed by the ACT Government Analytical Laboratory for the presence of the faecal indicator organism, intestinal enterococci.
Results of this assessment, together with an assessment of algae activity, determine whether a recreational site is opened for:
- primary contact (swimming, diving)
- or secondary contact (boating, fishing).
Find out more about the definitions of primary and secondary contact on the Transport and City Services website (TCCS).
Find out more about checking water quality in lakes, ponds and rivers.
Agencies
Several agencies in the ACT Government monitor recreational waters.
- ACT Health Protection Service undertakes microbial monitoring of major recreational sites during the recreation season.
- The Environment Protection Authority provides year-round analysis of water for blue-green algae.
Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) manage the recreational use of:
- Lake Tuggeranong
- Lake Ginninderra
- Molonglo Reach
- the Molonglo River corridor.
They make decisions on the recreational status of the water bodies using the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality [PDF 416 KB].
The water quality and recreation status of Lake Burley Griffin is managed by the National Capital Authority.