The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that there is no health hazard present at the Greenough River.

Since the river was declared closed on 15 October, bacterial samples were taken to assess the water quality for recreational use at the time of the incident as well as one week after; results have now been received and show that there is no health hazard present.

While the results from the samples taken show no harmful bacteria is present, there are general health risks of swimming in these natural waters and permanent health warning signs exist at Greenough River, Chapman River and Ellendale Pool.

The health risks mainly exist to people or animals that drink the water or place their head under the water where water could rush up the nose; which could result in illnesses such as amoebic meningitis or bacterial infections.

Further information is available through the Healthy WA website.

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-WA/Articles/A_E/Amoebic-meningitis

http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Articles/A_E/Bacterial-water-quality