Contamination at Ellendale Pool and Greenough River Mouth

The City of Greater Geraldton has issued a warning for residents to stay out of the river water at Ellendale Pool and the mouth of Greenough River, due to the possible contamination of the water from recent rains.

Water samples have been taken from Ellendale Pool and the Greenough River Mouth which has indicated potential large amounts of faecal contamination, including Enterococci and Amoeba.

After heavy rainfall (>10mm) rain collects pollutants from our streets, gardens and farms which flushes into our ocean and rivers via the storm water systems. This can increase bacterial levels in the water and make the water unsafe for swimming, especially if you put your head under or swallow the water.

Other health risks of swimming in these natural waters can include infection by protozoa such as amoeba. This type of infection can lead to illnesses such as amoebic meningitis, a life-threatening disease.

These organisms generally occur in warm water, permanent health warning signs exist at sites along the Chapman and Greenough River’s warning of this risk.