The National Capital Authority has the bad news that the whole of Lake Burley Griffin is off limits due to the effects of flooding on the bowels of Queanbeyan.
Lake Burley Griffin was closed on Thursday 1 March, following the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant being on bypass operations. The NCA has been advised that bypass operations ceased on evening of Sunday 4 March.
Lake Burley Griffin will be closed until two sets of water quality results indicate bacteria levels are within safe parameters.
NCA chief executive, Gary Rake said a series of water quality tests have been scheduled.
“Water quality testing commenced on Monday 5 March,” Mr Rake said.
“These results indicate bacteria levels are high across all areas of the lake.
“Bacteria levels are between three and nine times higher than what is recommended for safe use by ACT Health.
“Additional water samples were collected yesterday, with results expected in the morning. Further samples will be collected on the morning of Friday 9 March and Tuesday 13 March,” he said.
Based on advice from ACT Health, it is unsafe to use the lake for any activities that involve contact with the water such as swimming, canoeing, recreational boating, rowing or fishing.
Water features and irrigation systems that rely on water from Lake Burley Griffin will remain off including the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.