Signs have been erected at Rendall Close Weir to warn the public against coming into direct contact with river water at the location due to recent water samples indicating potentially unsafe levels of Escherichia coli and Enterococci.
So far Rendall Close Weir is the only sampled swimming location to return unsatisfactory levels of the potential harmful bacteria this summer.
Environmental Health Officers are investigating the cause however the warm and stagnant water at this location is a likely contributor.
Other sites tested by Shire of Augusta Margaret River Environmental Health Officers during the November to May swimming season include:
- Flinders Bay near Redman Brook
- Hardy Inlet near Turner Caravan Park
- Hardy Inlet near storm water drains
- Margaret River at the rivermouth
- Margaret River at the canoe landing
- Margaret River at Barrett Weir
- Gracetown beach near the mouth of the creek
- Gnarabup beach near the boat ramp
- Blackwood River near Alexandra Bridge campsite
Shire Environmental Health Coordinator Chris McAtee said officers will continue to monitor the key sites and erect and remove warning signs as required.
“We put up signs based on bacterial levels, but river users also need to use their own judgement when considering swimming in any natural waterbody,” she said.
“Levels can increase or decrease between testing periods and we obviously can’t test every spot in every local waterway.”
The Rendall Close Weir was re-sampled on Tuesday 15 January 2019 with updated results expected to be returned to the Shire on Friday 18 January 2019.
Officers will consider the ongoing requirement for warning signage at this time.
Tips about safe swimming in the region’s natural waterways can be found on the Shire’s website.