People planning to enjoy newly opened reservoirs are being asked to help preserve the special places by following some simple steps to protect the environment.
Announcing the move, SA Water’s Reservoir Reserves said there were important ‘dos and don’ts’ that visitors should abide by when they visit a reserve, relating to fishing; kayaking and canoeing; stand-up paddle boarding; swimming; and dog walking.
“Fishing from the shoreline, as well as from your canoe or kayak, is available with a permit at Happy Valley, Myponga, South Para, Warren, Beetaloo and Bundaleer reservoir reserves,” the Agency said.
“You can wade into the water up to knee height for the purposes of casting and retrieval only,” it said.
Reservoir Reserves said that to protect the safety and quality of drinking water, canoes and kayaks were the only type of watercraft permitted on reservoirs and swimming was not allowed.
It said people could wade into the water up to knee height to launch or return kayaks or canoes.
“Motorised craft, row and sailing boats are also not permitted, along with electric or fuel-powered motors and sails fitted to canoes and kayaks,” it said.
Reservoir Reserves said stand-up paddle boarding was not permitted because there was a high chance of people falling or jumping off their paddleboards, which was likely to involve prolonged contact with water above the knees.
“To put it simply: feet are okay, but bums are not,” it said.
“This kind of contact increases the risk of harmful pathogens, which can be carried by humans, contaminating the water.”
It said that dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs, were not permitted at any reservoir reserve.
“They can carry harmful pathogens and bacteria, which can present a risk to water quality and your drinking water supplies,” Reservoir Reserves said.
Information on fishing permits at reservoir reserves can be accessed at this PS News link and fishing limits on the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website at this link.
