Drakesbrook no-swim warning lifted

Drakesbrook Weir’s no-swim warning has been lifted by the Department of Health more than a month after it was enforced, with tests confirming the water is not hazardous.

The weir was closed to recreational water users in the first week of December when an algal bloom caused a green discolouration to the water.

The department, in cooperation with the Water Corporation and Waroona Shire Council, have been testing the weir to ensure the bloom does not produce the harmful algal toxin microcystin.

Today the department issued a statement saying “tests have confirmed that cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) levels at the lake had returned to levels which mean that swimming, wading, fishing, canoeing and other recreational activities can now be undertaken safely”.

Water Corporation and the Shire of Waroona health officers will continue to monitor Drakesbrook’s algal levels and provide the department with updates.