Enterococci bacteria, at levels that can pose a risk to human and animal health, has been detected during routine water quality testing at the Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve Lake.
On Tuesday 16 January, until further notice, signage was erected around the lake warning visitors not to swim, fish, or let their dogs enter the water.
Enterococci occur naturally in plants, sand, soil, and sediments but high levels may indicate faecal contamination from sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage, dog poo, or wildlife waste.
Enterococci are typically not considered harmful to humans.
But the presence of these bacteria in the water may indicate other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa which can make swimmers and people who eat fish from the water sick.
Anyone who has experienced any symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and cramps, fever, respiratory infections, ear infections, or skin rashes after swimming in or eating fish from the lake is advised to seek medical attention.
Testing will be conducted weekly until mid-April.
Knox City Council has said it will advise people when water quality returns to safe levels.
More information can be found on the council’s website, or through its stormwater team contactable on 9298 8000.
