What’s happening?
All water-based recreational activities at Cressbrook Dam have been suspended until further notice.
Toowoomba Regional Council said routine monitoring detected elevated levels of Enterococci bacteria.
Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said the closure was made as a precaution.
“As a precaution, Council has temporarily closed the dam to all water-based recreation,” Cr Vonhoff said.
The Lake Cressbrook campground and day-use area remain open.
However, all water-based activities are prohibited during the closure.
Why it matters?
The closure affects people planning to swim, paddle, boat or take part in other water activities at the dam.
Cr Vonhoff said testing will continue until the area can safely reopen.
“Regular testing will continue so we can determine when it is safe to reopen the dam for these activities.”
Council has also confirmed the issue does not affect drinking water safety.
“The bacteria pose no risk to the drinking supply, as they are removed through treatment and disinfection processes.”
Local Impact
Visitors can still use the campground and day-use area at Lake Cressbrook.
However, locals and tourists must avoid all water-based activities until Council gives an update.
The closure may affect weekend plans, school holiday visits and regular recreation at the dam.
Anyone planning a visit should check Council’s dam status page before travelling.
By the numbers
- All water-based activities are currently banned at Cressbrook Dam during the temporary closure.
- Council monitors all three dams weekly, checking algae and microbiological indicators, including E. coli.
- Council also tests several chemical markers, including iron, manganese, alkalinity, nitrate, hardness, ammonia, colour, turbidity and phosphate.
Zoom In
Cr Vonhoff said the bacterial levels exceed primary and secondary contact recreation guidelines.
Primary contact can include activities where people are likely to be immersed in water.
Secondary contact can include activities with some water exposure.
Council said the current bacteria levels do not place the drinking supply at risk.
Treatment and disinfection processes remove the bacteria before water reaches households.
Zoom Out
Cressbrook Dam remains an important recreation area for the Toowoomba region.
The temporary closure shows how routine testing can trigger safety measures before wider risks develop.
It also highlights the difference between recreational water safety and treated drinking water safety.
What To Look For Next?
Council will keep testing the dam to assess when water-based activities can resume.
The campground and day-use area remain open while the water closure continues.