Concerns over water quality at Lake Munmorah

Environmental group Future Sooner has called on Central Coast Council to be more pro-active in warning residents and visitors of the dangers of swimming at Tom Burke Reserve in Lake Munmorah.

Spokesperson Gary Blaschke said the EPA has already classified land at the old Lake Munmorah coal-fire power site as “significantly contaminated” from PFAS and other contaminates.

“Suddenly two ‘Lake Closed’ two signs appeared on the banks of Lake Munmorah’s popular Tom Burke Reserve,” he said.

“Both were in English only and neither of them gave a reason for the lake being closed.”

Blaschke OAM said he was horrified to see a young family fishing and swimming within a stone’s throw of one of the signs in the week before Christmas, unaware of the health danger.

“After several phone calls to Council I was eventually told the lake was closed due to contamination from faecal coliforms escaping from a nearby broken pipe,” he said.

“To speak plainly, the presence of faecal coliform means the water has been contaminated with sewage from human and/or animal poo (faeces).

“This indicates the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and protozoans so swimming and eating shellfish can make you sick.

“Council then told me the problem had been addressed, and the lake was now safe again.

“When I asked if they had also tested for PFAS in the water, they told me it was not their job.

“Interestingly, the two signs remained in place for another four days.

“The biggest problem with Lake Munmorah is that it takes 520 days to circulate.

“So PFAS, sewerage and faeces accumulate and build up in the water –they don’t just go away.

“And with the Christmas holiday season about to start that means hundreds of families could be at risk.

“Protecting the health of residents and visitors is the job of Council.

“Two signs, one language, no detail, is not good enough.

“Not testing for PFAS in the water is not good enough.

“We need a council that takes its duty of care of residents and tourists seriously; one that will keep our lake system clean and safe for everyone.”