Bacteria closes Pykes

By Jessica Howard 

Water enthusiasts will have to find somewhere else to swim, boat and fish following the temporary closure of Pykes Creek Reservoir.

High levels of bacteria have been detected in the popular reservoir, which was temporarily shut down on Tuesday (April 10).

Southern Rural Water, which manages the reservoir, confirmed that E.coli was detecting during weekly testing.

E.coli is a type of bacteria that usually lives in the intestines of people and can cause pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

“Southern Rural Water’s priority is the safety of users and ongoing and increased testing will ensure the reservoir is re-opened when it is safe,” a spokesperson told The Moorabool News.

“The cause is unknown at this stage but more extensive testing is being carried out to provide information regarding the potential source”.

Since the closure, Western Water has released a statement assuring the Myrniong community that their drinking water is safe.

“The treatment process at Myrniong Water Filtration Plant includes a multi-barrier approach which ensures drinking water safety and quality for local residents,” the statement read.

“Additionally, testing prior to and after treatment is undertaken on a daily basis.

“Southern Rural Water advised it was temporarily closing Pykes Creek Reservoir to recreational users today due to water quality concerns on the ramp side of the reservoir”.

It is not the first time Southern Rural Water has temporarily closed the reservoir this year, with elevated levels of E.coli detected in February too.