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Don't swim in lakes: thesis
A University of the Sunshine Coast Honours student researching the human health risks associated with constructed lakes has identified “poor microbial water quality” and physical hazards in the Chancellor Park Lakes.
Jane-Louise Lampard said a key message from her recently-presented thesis, which was based on testing in summer 2008-09, was that people could safely enjoy the lakes but should not swim in them or ingest the water.
She said that if water was ingested while playing or swimming in the lakes, there was a 5 to 10 percent chance of developing a gastrointestinal illness and less than 2 percent risk of respiratory illness.
Her study also identified the dangers of injury if people jumped from bridges or rocky edges. “I saw children land on submerged shopping trolleys,” she said.
Ms Lampard said the main sources of low-level faecal contamination in the tested water were from ducks, other water birds and dogs. There was no direct sewage input or run-off from septics.
“Chancellor Park has 10 connected lakes, built since 1993, surrounded by more than 7,000 residents in medium density housing including an aged care facility,” she said.
“My risk assessment of the five most popular lakes aimed to understand that environment to maximise the health benefits,” she said.
“My recommendations are the same as the regional council: enjoy the environment but don’t swim in the lakes – or feed the ducks.”
She said follow-up research was needed to clarify the influence of variables, such as rainfall and some lakes being drained by the Council.
Ms Lampard said she appreciated the support of her supervisors, USC’s Dr Anne Roiko, Queensland Health’s Dr Andrew Langley and Griffith University’s Professor Glen Shaw.
After finishing her USC Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours), Ms Lampard last week started a new full-time job as research officer at the Smart Water Research Centre, Gold Coast campus, Griffith University.
“It’s rewarding because I’ve been working there part-time during my USC degree,” she said.
– Julie Gatehouse