Cressbrook Dam closed to water-based recreation activities

Cressbrook Dam has been closed to water-based recreation activities until further notice.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said Council officers had detected an outbreak of cyanobacteria (blue green algae).

Cr Cahill said the test results meant Council had closed the facility to water-based recreation activities, fishing and boating, as a safety precaution.

“Council will conduct its regular testing regime to determine when the dam can re-open for regular water-based recreation pursuits,” Cr Cahill said.

“The cyanobacterial level exceeds primary and secondary recreational contact guideline limits.

“The cyanobacteria represent no risk to drinking water supplies as they are removed by the water treatment and disinfection process.

“Council monitors the three dams on a weekly basis for algae and numerous microbiological parameters including E.coli. We also test chemical parameters such as iron, manganese, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrate, colour, turbidity and phosphate.

“The treatment process is also closely monitored (daily). When the water leaves the treatment plant we conduct tests in the distribution system in accordance with our Drinking Water Quality Management Plans.

“These plans line up with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

“Even if we are not using a particular dam, but a test shows that we are out of specification in relation to primary contact (swimming) or secondary contact (boating) we inform Council’s Parks and Recreation Services branch about closing a facility to the public.”

Recreational activities are unaffected at Cooby Dam and Perseverance Dam.

To view activities open or closed at the dams, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/damstatus