Check conditions before entering the water
The ACT Government monitors water quality and safety in Canberra's lakes, ponds and rivers.
We monitor:
- bacteria
- blue-green algae
- hazards like flooding, storm damage and debris.
Water conditions can change quickly. Before you swim, boat or enter the water:
- check current water quality advice
- look for warning signs
- check local conditions
- stay out of the water if it looks unsafe.
Current alerts
Bacteria warning
Avoid swimming for several days after heavy rain. Rain can wash bacteria into waterways and increase the risk of illness.
Cold water warning
Cold water can be dangerous, even on warm and sunny days. Take care when entering the water.
Water activities
Swimming and other full-contact activities (primary contact)
Full-contact activities involve your whole body entering the water. These activities include:
- swimming
- diving
- waterskiing
- windsurfing.
Boating and other limited-contact activities (secondary contact)
Limited-contact activities involve less contact with the water. These activities include:
- boating
- fishing
- canoeing
- rowing.
Different advice may apply to different activities. Always check the current status before entering the water.
Current water quality status
Last updated: 24 September 2026
Check the latest advice before you visit. Water quality may change after rain, algal blooms or other environmental events.
Always follow local signs and safety advice.
Lake Ginninderra
Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Dulwa and Nengi Bamir Beaches | Open | Open |
Bimbi Beach | Open | Open |
Yerra Beach | Open | Open |
Bargang Beach | Open | Open |
Gummiuk Beach | No swimming area | Open |
John Knight Park (view map) | No swimming area | Open |
Lake Tuggeranong
| Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Tuggeranong Town Park | Open | Open |
Nguru Beach | Open | Open |
Ngadyung Beach | Open | Open |
Lake Tuggeranong College (view map) | No swimming area | Open |
Mundang Beach | No swimming area | Open |
Molonglo River
| Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Water Ski Boat Ramp (view map) | Open | Open |
Canoe Area (view map) | No swimming area | Open |
Murrumbidgee River
Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Casuarina Sands (view map) |
| Open |
Uriarra East and West (view map) |
| Open |
Swamp Creek Beach (view map) | Open | Open |
Pine Island (view map) | | Open |
Kambah Pool (view map) |
| Open |
Point Hut Crossing (view map) | Open | Open |
| Tharwa Bridge (view map) | Open | Open |
Paddys River
| Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Murrays Corner (view map) | Open | Open |
Cotter River
| Recreational area | Primary contact (Swimming) | Secondary contact (Boating) |
|---|---|---|
Cotter Campground (view map) | Open | Open |
Lake Burley Griffin
The ACT Government does not manage Lake Burley Griffin. The National Capital Authority manages the lake and provides information about:
- water quality
- recreational use
- alerts and closures.
Visit the National Capital Authority for current information.
Dog swimming areas
Our water quality testing helps protect people. It does not assess the risks to pets.
Before letting your dog enter the water:
- check warning signs
- look for unusual water colour
- look for surface scum
- keep your dog away from water that may be unsafe.
Use designated dog swimming areas where available.
| Recreational area | Dog swimming |
|---|---|
Yerrabi Pond, Benaroon Circuit | Not tested |
| Point Hut Pond, main car park | Not tested |
| North end of Lake Tuggeranong | Not tested |
| Yarralumla, Brown Street beach area | Not tested |
| Weston Park, end of Weston Park Road | Not tested |
How we monitor water quality
We monitor recreational waterways using the ACT Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality (PDF 416.3 KB). These guidelines help us assess whether water is suitable for recreation.
Bacteria
The Health Protection Service tests for bacteria from September to April. This is when more people use waterways for swimming and other water activities.
Higher bacteria levels can indicate contamination.
Bacteria levels often increase after rain due to run off entering the lake. If there is a risk to public health, we may close an area.
Blue-green algae
The Environment Protection Authority monitors blue-green algae throughout the year.
Blue-green algae can be harmful to people and animals. It can collect along shorelines where people and pets are more likely to come into contact with it.
Safety hazards
Natural waterways may contain:
- cold water
- submerged objects
- strong currents
- floating debris
- flood water after storms.
Please assess the risks before you enter the water.
Take extra care in rivers
Rivers can be more dangerous than lakes and ponds. Conditions can change quickly because of:
- fast-flowing water
- submerged logs and debris
- heavy rainfall upstream.
Take extra care when you are near or in a river. Always follow local safety advice.