Routine water quality testing at the Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve Lake has detected E. coli bacteria at levels that can pose a risk to human and animal health.
Knox City Council have advised via their website that signage is being erected around the lake warning visitors not to swim, fish, or let their dogs enter the water effective 29 November until further notice.
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals – its presence indicates faecal contamination from sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage, dog poo, or wildlife waste.
Most types of E. coli are not considered harmful to humans and animals. However, the presence of these bacteria in the water may indicate other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa which can make swimmers or people who eat fish from the water sick.
If you have experienced any symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, fever, respiratory infections, ear infections, or skin rashes after swimming in or eating fish from the lake, please seek medical attention.
Testing will be conducted weekly until mid-April. Knox City Council will advise when water quality returns to safe levels.
For more information, see our website or contact the Knox stormwater team on 9298 8000.
