Recreation access to Hinze Dam has been closed temporarily as a precaution following water quality sampling by Seqwater.
Water testing by Seqwater this week confirmed higher than normal levels of E. Coli in the raw untreated dam water.
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Peter Borrows said importantly there had been no impact on the quality of drinking water being supplied to the Gold Coast and surrounding region as a result, as all water is treated to world class standards before entering the drinking water system.
Mr Borrows said Queensland Health had advised Seqwater to take a precautionary approach pending the outcome of further water quality tests.
“E. coli occurs naturally in dams and weirs and is just a normal part of managing open water storage systems. Our water treatment processes are well equipped to deal with the bacteria,’’ he said.
“Queensland Health has advised that for someone to get sick or ill they would literally have to consume a significant quantity of water direct from the dam or have long exposure to dam water, which is why we have taken the precautionary steps of closing access until we get some further results.
“Normally E. coli dies off or dissipates of its own accord. We will have a better idea of the duration of this event once we get the results of further testing.
“I’d like to again reassure people this has no impact on drinking water quality as all water is treated before entering the supply system.”
Hinze Dam is now closed to water-based activities including boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking until further notice.
The results of additional water quality testing are expected by Wednesday the 28th of October.
Media contact
Mike Foster, Principle Advisor, External Relations
m: 0425 250 394 | ph: 07 3035 5545 | e: mfoster@seqwater.com.au