Lake Indawarra
Lake Indawarra Water Quality - Current Readings
| Location | Blue Green Algae | Bacterial Content |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Indawarra | Surveillance Mode | Surveillance Mode |
Lake Indawarra is currently open to the public for swimming and recreational activities.
Find out more about testing frequencies for Lake Indawarra (these may change seasonally).
What is being tested
As a public health and safety measure, the water quality of Lake Indawarra is regularly monitored for blue green algae and bacterial content.
Guideline values for managing risk in recreational water have been endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The primary aim of these guidelines is to protect the health of humans from threats posed by the recreational use of fresh waters.
Lake users are advised to stay away from green-coloured, surface algal blooms, and are advised against water contact (including pets) if found in large areas. Lake users are advised that bacterial levels may increase for a number of days after sufficient rainfall that causes inflows into the lake.
Find out more about Blue Green Algae readings and what they mean here
Find out more about Bacterial content readings and what they mean here
Blue Green Algae readings and what they mean
No Alert Level Triggered | GREEN LEVEL | AMBER LEVEL | RED LEVEL |
Cyanobacterial measurement
| |||
<500 cells/mL M.aeruginosa Biovolume <0.04 for the combined total of all cyanobacteria | 500 to <5000 cells/mL M.aeruginosa
Biovolume equivalent of >0.04 to <0.4 mm3/L for the combined total of all cyanobacteria | 5000 to <50,000 cells/mL M.aeruginosa
Biovolume equivalent of 0.4 to 4mm3/L for the combined total of all cyanobacteria where a toxic producer is dominant in the total biovolume OR 0.4 to < 10 mm3/L for the combined total of all cyanobacteria where known toxic producers are not present | 10μg/L total microcystins OR 50,000 cells/mL - M.aeruginosa Biovolume equivalent of > 4mm3/L for the combined total of all cyanobacteria where known toxic producers are dominate in the total biovolume OR >10mm3/L for the combined total of all cyanobacteria where known toxic producers are not present OR Cyanobacteria scums are consistently present |
Action Required | |||
No restriction |
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Health risks include
- Skin and eye irritation with prolonged contact.
- Gastrointestinal complaints (eg. vomiting, diarrhoea) from consumption of water.
- Boiling water does not remove toxins.
- Livestock including companion animals can be particularly susceptible to toxins produced by algae.
Bacterial content readings and what they mean
No Alert Level Triggered | GREEN LEVEL | AMBER LEVEL | RED LEVEL |
Enterococci measurement | |||
<200 cfu/100mLd | 200 to <500 cfu/100mLd | >500 cfu/100mLd | |
E.coli measurement | |||
| <100 cfu/100mLd | 100 to <500 cfu/100mLd | >500 cfu/100mLd |
Action Required | |||
No restriction |
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Health risks include:
- Gastrointestinal complaints including vomiting and diarrhoea from the consumption of water.
- Non-gastrointestinal illnesses include, central nervous system infections, respiratory complaints, liver or renal issues, ear infections, skin irritations.
Lake Indawarra Testing Fequency
Testing Frequencies
Please note: water samples are taken on a Thursday in accordance with the table below. Samples are then taken to Adelaide for testing and Council receives the results late on a Friday. Results will then be communicated via Council's website and social media should there be any changes or updates to the status of Lake Indawarra for recreational use.
GREEN LEVEL | AMBER LEVEL | RED LEVEL | |
APRIL - SEPT | Monthly | Monthly | Fortnightly |
OCT - NOV | Monthly | Fortnightly | Weekly |
DEC - MAR | Fortnightly | Weekly | Weekly |
About Lake Indawarra
Lake Indawarra is a picturesque man-made lake located in the heart of Tintinara offering lush green lawns and magnificent shady trees.
A popular destination for locals and visitors as well as being home to the Tintinara RV Campgrounds, a free nine-hole disc golf course and walking trail.
Lake Indawarra is family friendly and a must visit for visitors to Tintinara.
Facilities
- Public toilet
- BBQ shelter
- Picnic tables
- RV campgrounds
- Disc golf course
- Walking trails.
Contact
For all feedback regarding Lake Indawarra, please send an email to council@coorong.sa.gov.au