Council closes Cooby Dam until further notice after bacteria detection

A Toowoomba dam is shut off for water sports once again, after the council detected a bacteria issue.

Cooby Dam.

All public recreation areas at Cooby Dam have been closed until further notice.

Toowoomba Regional Council councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said council officers had detected a bacterial outbreak of enterococci.

Cr Vonhoff said the test results meant the council had closed the facility to all recreation activities as a safety precaution.

“Council will conduct its regular testing regime to determine when the dam can re-open for recreation pursuits.

“The bacterial level exceeds primary recreational contact guideline limits.

“The bacteria represent no risk to drinking water supplies as they are removed by the water treatment and disinfection process.

“Council monitors the three dams on a weekly basis for algae and numerous microbiological parameters including e.coli. We also test chemical parameters such as iron, manganese, alkalinity, nitrate, hardness, ammonia, colour, turbidity and phosphate.”

Councillor Tim McMahon said the Lake Cressbrook campground and day use area were open for public use, however water-based activities were still prohibited.

Cr McMahon said Lake Perseverance was open for use by members of the Perseverance Aquatic Club.

To view activities open or closed at the dams, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/damstatus.