Paddlers should note that from Tuesday 8 January until Friday 1 February 2013 the Torrens Lake was closed to all recreational water contact
Torrens Lake Now Open
Paddlers should avoid primary contact activity in recreational water bodies for 3 days after a significant rain event (>10mm). Stormwater and rain runoff can carry pathogens into waterways.
Flooding can mean that animal faeces or sewerage may be carried into waterways (particularly in urban areas).
Pathogens may be present in recreational water used by paddlers. Viruses and other dangerous organisms can survive in sea or fresh water and can enter a persons body through mouth, ears, nose and eyes as well as any cuts or abraisions on your skin.
People with suppressed immune systems are the most vulnerable. This can include people who are taking immune-suppressant drugs or elite athletes who have a rigorous training regime .
What type of paddling are you doing?
Primary Contact (whole body contact) - activity in which the whole body or the face and trunk are frequently immersed or the face is frequently wet by spray, and where it is likely that some water will be swallowed or inhaled, or come into contact with ears, nasal passages, mucous membranes or cuts in the skin (eg swimming, diving, surfing or whitewater canoeing).
Secondary contact - activity in which only the limbs are regularly wet and in which greater contact (including swallowing water) is unusual and including occasional and inadvertent immersion.
For more information on water quality and paddling in recreational water CLICK HERE