Shut down again: What’s lurking in this popular lake?
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Water quality issues can have far-reaching consequences, especially when they affect popular recreational areas in the heart of a city.
A recent development in Adelaide has once again highlighted the challenges of maintaining safe waterways, with authorities forced to take swift action.
What led to this decision, and what does it mean for those who frequent the area?
Torrens Lake in Adelaide was closed again due to unsafe water quality, marking the second closure in three months.
The Adelaide City Council shut down the section near the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval after detecting high levels of E. coli.
The lake had previously been closed in December 2024 when low water flow and pollution contributed to contamination.
The River Torrens, which runs through the CBD, is a popular site for rowing, dragon boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Authorities advised against swimming, water-skiing, and any activity that involved direct body contact with the water.
The Adelaide Park Lands Association confirmed that signs had been put up around the lake, warning the public to avoid swimming, boating, and fishing.
‘Signs have been installed to warn the public to keep out of the water,’ the association stated.
Popeye River Cruises continued to operate despite the closure.
The River Torrens separates the Adelaide CBD from North Adelaide, while Torrens Lake refers to the section between the weir and the Frome Street bridge.
Health Direct warned that E. coli infections could spread through contaminated food or water, potentially causing diarrhoea, food poisoning, or serious conditions like pneumonia.
A previous outbreak over Christmas was linked to a combination of low water flow caused by drought and contamination from duck faeces.
The lake would remain closed until water quality testing confirmed that conditions had returned to safe levels.
In a previous story, we covered a major change coming to the area—a historic site set to be replaced by a new suburb.
With this latest closure, questions are being raised about the future of Adelaide’s waterways and public spaces.
Read more about the development and what it could mean for the community.
Water quality issues can be unpredictable, especially in well-frequented areas like Torrens Lake. Do you think enough is being done to keep Adelaide’s waterways safe?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent development in Adelaide has once again highlighted the challenges of maintaining safe waterways, with authorities forced to take swift action.
What led to this decision, and what does it mean for those who frequent the area?
Torrens Lake in Adelaide was closed again due to unsafe water quality, marking the second closure in three months.
The Adelaide City Council shut down the section near the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval after detecting high levels of E. coli.
The lake had previously been closed in December 2024 when low water flow and pollution contributed to contamination.
Adelaide’s Torrens Lake closed again over contamination. Image source: Adelaide Parklands Association
The River Torrens, which runs through the CBD, is a popular site for rowing, dragon boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Authorities advised against swimming, water-skiing, and any activity that involved direct body contact with the water.
The Adelaide Park Lands Association confirmed that signs had been put up around the lake, warning the public to avoid swimming, boating, and fishing.
‘Signs have been installed to warn the public to keep out of the water,’ the association stated.
Popeye River Cruises continued to operate despite the closure.
The River Torrens separates the Adelaide CBD from North Adelaide, while Torrens Lake refers to the section between the weir and the Frome Street bridge.
Health Direct warned that E. coli infections could spread through contaminated food or water, potentially causing diarrhoea, food poisoning, or serious conditions like pneumonia.
A previous outbreak over Christmas was linked to a combination of low water flow caused by drought and contamination from duck faeces.
The lake would remain closed until water quality testing confirmed that conditions had returned to safe levels.
In a previous story, we covered a major change coming to the area—a historic site set to be replaced by a new suburb.
With this latest closure, questions are being raised about the future of Adelaide’s waterways and public spaces.
Read more about the development and what it could mean for the community.
Water quality issues can be unpredictable, especially in well-frequented areas like Torrens Lake. Do you think enough is being done to keep Adelaide’s waterways safe?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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