Lake Burley Griffin

Welcome to the Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Updates

The National Capital Authority (the NCA) manages a comprehensive water quality program to:

• monitor the environmental status of Lake Burley Griffin (the Lake) and
• advise users about changes in the water quality conditions arising from floods, droughts, elevated bacterial, and algae conditions.

The NCA's Water Quality Program includes:

• Microbiological monitoring on recreational beaches - Samples are taken weekly from mid October to mid April at eight beach sites. Bacterial (enterococci ) levels are monitored and analysed in accordance with the National Water Quality Guidelines and ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality (ACT Health 2010). The results are reported weekly on this website with any alerts and notifications as appropriate.

• Algae monitoring program - Visual inspections are performed throughout the year with water samples taken from eight beach sites during the summer recreational season (mid October to mid April). Algae (cyanobacteria) levels are monitored and analysed in accordance with the National Water Quality Guidelines and ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality (ACT Health 2010). The results are reported weekly on this website with any alerts and notifications as appropriate.

The Lake Burley Griffin Water Quality Updates can be used to locate information about alert levels. This information can inform users of potential hazards or risks and the level of caution needed during periods of alert. The Authority will report water quality results and enforce restrictions to sections of the Lake for public safety reasons. Additionally safety signage at swim beaches and boat ramps provide information on water quality and Lake safety measures.

Ongoing advice from ACT Health is that swimming should be avoided for several days after periods of heavy rainfall as bacteria can be strongly influenced by such events.

The water quality conditions in Lake Ginninderra, Lake Tuggeranong, the Molonglo River, the Murrumbidgee River, Paddy's River and the Cotter River are monitored by the ACT Government. Advice for these recreational lakes and waters is found on the Territory and Municipal Services website [External link].

How to use this site

Reports

Reports are issued each week for the sampling and analysis of water quality in Lake Burley Griffin during the recreational season. The 2012-2013 Recreational Season weekly reports are available for your information. 

The 2012-2013 Recreational Season Weekly Reports can be found here.

Definitions

All alert definitions can be found under Definitions. Alert levels and precautionary actions by lake users are explained to provide advice regarding the risks during periods of elevated blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) or bacteria (enterococci).

Lake Burley Griffin Management

The framework in which the National Capital Authority manages Lake Burley Griffin to maintain and protect the visual, recreational and environmental aspects of the Lake is under Lake Management.

Watercraft Safety

Lake Burley Griffin is used by a large variety of recreational users and craft. The Watercraft Safety page provides practical advice and information to promote a safe lake for all.