Kayakers and swimmers will have to find another place to play for a while as Encounter Lakes and Franklin Island waterways have been closed for swimming and recreational use until further notice. 

The City of Victor Harbor regularly tests the water in the lakes to ensure public safety. The latest testing gave readings higher than the guideline value for Enterococci faecalis, a faecal indicator bacterium, in more than one location in the Encounter Lakes System.

The bacteria may cause serious infections, most commonly urinary tract infections.

People with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system are most vulnerable to infection, which may be difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.

A council statement says the contamination is likely to have occurred as a result of considerable rainfall on 20 January, directing flows from roofs, lawns, roads and road verges in to the lake.

The council will flush out the lakes as soon as tide levels allow it and will then test the water again. If these tests show the water quality is within the safe threshold council will reopen the lakes.

The Encounter Lakes Residents Group has offered to help with enquiries about the situation. They can be contacted via email or via their website.