Kambah Pool is one of several Canberra swimming spots which have been closed by ACT Parks and Conservation. Photo: PairePaire Pattheera.
Several popular Canberra swimming spots have been forced to close until next week due to poor water quality.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service executive branch manager Stephen Alegria said the closures for some parts of the Murrumbidgee River and Paddy’s River were due to the effects of recent heavy rain.
“Water quality testing results have shown elevated bacteria levels, and as a result the ACT Government has closed some areas of the Murrumbidgee and Paddy’s rivers to primary contact,” he said.
Primary contact activities usually involve instances where a person’s entire face or body are frequently immersed, or their face is frequently wet by spray. It also covers activities where it’s likely some water will be swallowed, inhaled, or come into contact with ears, eyes, noses or cuts in the skin.
These include swimming, diving, windsurfing and wakeboarding.
Mr Alegria acknowledged some Canberrans might be tempted to take a dip anyway due to the current heatwave, but advised against it.
“I urge people for their own safety to please avoid swimming in these areas until water quality returns to a safe level,” he said.
“If you were planning to head out for a swim this weekend to beat the heat, you may want to take the opportunity to check out one of the ACT’s public pools or aquatic centres instead.”
Areas closed for swimming are:
- Casuarina Sands
- Uriarra East and West
- Swamp Creek
- Kambah Pool
- Point Hut Crossing
- Tharwa Bridge
- Murrays Corner
These areas will be closed to swimming until Thursday, 14 December.
However, they are still open for all land-based activities, such as walking and picnicking.
Current water quality conditions can be found via ACT City Services, while information about parks and reserves can be found through ACT Parks.
If you’re after an alternative swimming spot, a list of Canberra’s aquatic centres can be found online.
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