Published on Wednesday, 18 December 2019 at 1:58:00 PM
Update 3 December 2019
Lake Towerrinning Water Quality
Water test results from a sample collected on 11 December 2019 at Lake Towerrinning did not detect Amoeba Naegleria. Further water samples will be taken in January and the results of those samples will be available early the following week.
Results, from samples collected on Thursday 14 November 2019, detected the organism Amoeba Naegleria in the water at Lake Towerrinning. Further analysis of the sample was undertaken and Naegleria fowleri, a species of the Amoeba Naegleria, causes the fatal disease Amoebic Meningitis, was not present in the sample.
It should be noted that the results from samples taken from the water in Lake Towerrinning are an indication of the water quality at the time of sampling and that it is possible the water quality will have changed by the time the results have been received.
It is important that caution is exercised whenever contact with a natural water body is undertaken, and this is particularly so when testing has shown amoeba to be present or there is a prolonged period of high temperatures.
Slightly altered environmental conditions may give rise to the growth or increase in ‘fowleri’. When the water temperature in this lake exceeds 24 C the water may contain the amoeba responsible for Amoebic Meningitis.
No solution to reduce the risk is known other than to avoid contact with the water. Amoebic Meningitis occurs if water containing amoeba is forced up the nose, and cannot occur from cuts or scratches or from swallowing water. While entering the water is discouraged, it is necessary for anyone entering the water to be aware of the potential danger that entering the water may present. If entering the water the following precautions are recommended:
- Carefully walk or lower yourself into the water
- Keep your head above water
- Avoid jumping or diving into water
- Avoid digging or stirring up sediment
- If swimming avoid swimming under the water Further information will be available as monitoring results are received.
Further information about Naegleria-fowleri is available from the following links:
https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Media-releases/Dangerous-amoebae-poses-risk-for-recreational-water-users
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Naegleria-fowleri.aspx
For more information contact the Shire of West Arthur on (08) 97362222.
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