River Torrens closed after high levels of E. coli bacteria detected in water

High levels of a dangerous bacteria have been detected in the River Torrens, forcing closures while water quality improvement works are underway.

The River Torrens in Adelaide’s CBD has been temporarily closed while works for water quality improvement are underway.

In a social media statement shared by Adelaide Parks Lands Association on Thursday, River Torrens visitors were notified that it had closed on Christmas Day after “lake closed’ signs were spotted around Torrens Lake, Possum Park.

They said the river had been contaminated with high levels of Escherichia coli (E-Coli) bacteria.

Torrens Lake Closed sign that has gone up overnight. Picture: Adelaide Park Lands Assoc

“No updates on the City of Adelaide website nor Facebook about the duration,” the association wrote in the post.

“The signs suggest Popeye and paddle boats are unable to operate.”

However, the association later notified the public that Popeye boats were still continuing to operate because passengers were not likely to come into contact with water.

According to the US Environemntal Protection Agency, E-coli bacteria is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and warm-blooded animals and is commonly found in faeces.

Originally published as River Torrens closed after high levels of E. coli bacteria detected in water