By Parker McKenzie
Knox City Council has put out a warning over the water quality at Quarry Lake in Ferntree Gully, after a bacteria strain posing a risk to humans and animals was detected during routine testing.
The warning, released on Tuesday 7 March, said routine water testing had detected the Enterococci bacteria.
“Signage has been erected at Quarry Lake Reserve warning visitors not to swim, fish or let their dogs enter the water until further notice,” the council said.
“Enterococci occur naturally in plants, sand, soil and sediments but higher enterococci levels may indicate faecal contamination. Sources could include stormwater runoff, sewage, dog poo or wildlife waste.”
The bacteria can cause a number of infections like urinary tract infections, diverticulitis and meningitis.
“Enterococci are typically not considered harmful to humans. Still, their presence in the water may indicate other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa which can make swimmers and people who eat fish from the water sick,” the council said.
“If you have experienced any symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, respiratory infections, ear infections or skin rashes after swimming in or eating fish from Quarry Lake please seek medical attention.”
Knox City Council is currently investigating the source of the contamination and testing will be conducted daily until the water quality returns to normal levels.
