Aussies have been urged to stay away from the River Torrens in Adelaide‘s CBD after high levels of e-coli bacteria were detected just days before it hosts the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The tens of thousands of people who usually gather at the water’s edge to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve may be forced to make alternative plans until the level of e-coli in the major river reaches safer levels.
‘Closed’ signs went up around Torrens Lake – the portion of the river between the CBD and Adelaide Oval – on Christmas Day, warning residents the water was ‘polluted’ and to ‘avoid contact’.
The Adelaide Park Lands Association said on Boxing Day that there had been no update from City of Adelaide Council about the duration of the ban.
‘Popeye boats (a pleasure cruise on the river) are continuing operation as passengers are not likely to come into contact with the water,’ it said on social media.
‘Paddle boats are NOT operating. We’re told that the contamination is e-coli bacteria – not blue-green algae.’
Escherichia cold (E-coli) is a common cause of Bali Belly, also known as traveler’s diarrhoea, and is spread when contaminated food or water is consumed.
It’s understood further tests will be undertaken on Friday to find out how it can be fixed and if the river can be declared safe before New Year’s Eve.
‘Closed’ signs quietly went up around Torrens Lake on Christmas Day, warning residents the water was ‘polluted’ and to ‘avoid contact’ (pictured)
The River Torrens (pictured) is the main waterway that runs through Adelaide and is popular with tourists and locals alike for rowing and kayaking
The River Torrens is the main waterway that runs through Adelaide and is a popular destination for rowing and kayaking.
In previous years, the river has been affected by blooms of toxic blue-green algae.
But since 2013, a team of experts have been monitoring algae levels and preventing outbreaks by releasing a fresh flow of water from upstream.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the council for comment.
