Quarry Lake water quality alert

Routine water quality testing at Quarry Lake in Ferntree Gully has detected the presence of bacteria known as Enterococci at levels that can pose a risk to human and animal health.

Signage has been erected at Quarry Lake Reserve warning visitors not to swim, fish or let their dogs enter the water until further notice.

Enterococci occur naturally in plants, sand, soil and sediments but higher enterococci levels may indicate faecal contamination. Sources could include stormwater runoff, sewage, dog poo or wildlife waste. 

Enterococci are typically not considered harmful to humans. Still, their presence 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.

If you have experienced any symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, respiratory infections, ear infections or skin rashes after swimming in or eating fish from Quarry Lake please seek medical attention.

Investigations are underway to identify possible sources of contamination.

Testing will be conducted daily until the water quality returns to safe levels.