The City of Adelaide has confirmed that the New Year’s Eve event will go ahead as planned, despite concerns over high E. coli levels in the River Torrens.
Earlier this morning on Sunrise, the public was advised to stay “well away” from the River Torrens due to dangerous E. coli levels, which have been found in several water bodies across the city. The bacteria is known to cause severe stomach illness, with symptoms similar to “Bali belly.”
“The River is closed, do not come in contact with it, and that is because there are large and dangerous levels of E. coli, which is a bacteria that is really dangerous to humans,” the Sunrise report said. “A huge event takes place here on New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands flock to the area. They may now have to think of alternative plans.”
In response, the Adelaide City Council has clarified that despite the water contamination concerns, the New Year’s Eve fireworks and other celebrations will proceed, but measures have been taken for the safety of all attendees.
Recent water quality tests by SA Water have shown that several popular water bodies in the city, including Bonython Park Lake and Veale Gardens, have high levels of E. coli and Enterococci, exceeding safe limits. As a result, these areas have been closed to the public until further testing confirms the water is safe again.
The issue extends to other locations, including Torrens Lake (tested at four spots), Rymill Park Lake, and Himeji Lake, with bacteria levels remaining high. Hot weather can contribute to the decline in water quality, leading to these higher-than-usual readings.
Signage has been placed around the affected areas to warn people to stay clear of the water. Testing will continue today, Friday December 27th, and the Council is working with Green Adelaide to find ways to reduce bacteria levels in Torrens Lake before the New Year’s Eve events.
Despite these concerns, the Council assures the public that the New Year’s Eve celebrations, including the fireworks display, will still go ahead as planned.
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