Contamination warning for Ellendale Pool

The City of Greater Geraldton today issued a warning to stay out of river water at Ellendale Pool due to the possible contamination of the water.

A water sample taken from the Ellendale Pool last week, indicates a potentially large amount of faecal contamination, including Enterococci and Amoeba.

More sampling will be undertaken at Ellendale Pool in coming days to monitor the levels. The public is urged to stay out of the water until further notice to avoid the potential risk of infection.

More information can be found on the WA Public Health website www.public.health.wa.gov.au

General 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. This type of organism generally occurs in warm water. Permanent health warning signs exist at Ellendale Pool and sites along the Chapman and Greenough Rivers warning of this risk.