One of the Ballarat region’s most popular spots for boating, kayaking and fishing has been closed ahead of 41 degree celcius forecast for Friday.
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Pykes Creek Resevoir, 40 kilometres east of Ballarat along the Western Freeway, has been closed since Wednesday after high levels of bacteria were found.
A Facebook post advised the management body, Southern Rural Water, had “temporarily closed water activities on Pykes Creek Reservoir”.
“High levels of bacteria have been detected. We will update you further when we have further information,” the water body said online.
“We apologise if this affects your recreation plans, but we will let you know, as soon as we can, when restrictions can be lifted.”
The reservoir was closed after similar levels were found in the summer and early autumn of 2018. While investigations did not find the source, expert advice given to Southern Rural Water Despite indicated it was likely the E.coli present in the reservoir was an environmental strain that ‘blooms’ in suitable conditions.
A spokesperson for the water body said they were “undertaking further sampling and testing at Pykes Creek Reservoir to determine if the E.coli is an environmental strain, and also to monitor the overall levels of E.coli.”
“Public safety is a priority, and the reservoir will remain closed until the water quality has been declared safe within recreation guideline limits.”
Western Water has given assurances to the Myrniong community that their drinking water is safe, and that tap water can be used normally.
According to the water body, the treatment process at Western Water’s Myrniong Water Filtration Plant includes a multi-barrier approach which ensures drinking water safety and quality for local residents. Additionally, testing prior to and after treatment is undertaken on a daily basis.