BAROSSSANS were invited to share their thoughts on the protection of water quality ahead of the opening of the Warren and South Para Reservoirs later this year.
During drop-in sessions led by SA Water on June 5 and 7, the community also discussed ideas for the expansion of recreational activities as the State Government prepares to open the reservoirs to the public by the end of this year.
Minister for environment and water David Speirs said the Marshall Government is committed to opening up the state’s reservoirs, as this will provide incredible recreational, environmental and economic opportunities.
“There is a reservoirs taskforce that has been created to drive forward this opportunity featuring representatives from the Department for Environment and Water, SA Water and SA Health,” he said.
“To support this process and ensure opening reservoirs is done with great care, SA Health is responsible for providing advice to the taskforce in relation to drinking water safety and will act to ensure that all health requirements are met.
“This report from last year has helped inform the State Government’s decision-making to ensure appropriate measures and controls are in place for opening up reservoirs.
“We are opening our reservoirs in a staged and systematic manner.”
Mr Speirs stated each reservoir will be different with varying levels of recreation and water-based activity.
This follows after a confidential audit in 2018, on the safety of Adelaide’s drinking water almost derailed plans to open the reservoirs.
“The taskforce will continue to assess what infrastructure requirements are necessary as we continue to open up other reservoirs around the state,” he said.
“This policy has a chance to create positive generational change for this state and we want to ensure we get the process right which will not be rushed.
“People can currently access Warren, Bundaleer and Beetaloo reservoirs for shore-based recreational fishing with a RecFishSA fishing licence, and can also fish from a kayak at Warren Reservoir.”
Meanwhile, Gawler historian Martin Johnson said there is more to consider than just the general public.
“This provides Adelaide with clean drinking water through its filtration plant,” he said.
“But there is also native wildlife to consider such as birds, Kangaroos, possums, koala and emus.”