Cooby Dam closed to all recreation activities

All public recreation areas at Cooby Dam have been closed until further notice.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said Council officers had detected a bacterial outbreak (Enterococci).

Cr Vonhoff said the test results meant Council had closed the facility to all recreation activities as a safety precaution.

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

“The bacterial level exceeds primary recreational contact guideline limits.

“The bacteria 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, nitrate, hardness, ammonia, 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.”

TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the Lake Cressbrook campground and day use area were open for public use, however water-based activities were still prohibited.

Cr McMahon said Lake Perseverance was open for use by members of the Perseverance Aquatic Club.

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