E.Coli Alert Issued for Wannon and Nigretta Falls
Published on 20 March 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council would like to advise community to avoid physical contact with water at both the Wannon and Nigretta Falls after tested samples returned unacceptable coliform and E.coli levels as per the Environment Protection Act 2017 Environment Reference Standards.
Given the elevated levels located at the Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve and Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve, residents and visitors should avoid swimming or having any direct contact with the water to prevent potential health risks.
Recreational land including picnic and BBQ areas remain open.
Warning signage has been installed at both reserves with signage advising visitors that sections of the Wannon River at Wannon Falls and Nigretta Falls is unsafe for swimming due to the current bacterial contamination.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Director Wellbeing Planning and Infrastructure Rory Neeson said the safety advice to residents and visitors is a precautionary measure in response to recent samples collected.
“The recent sampling indicates unacceptable levels of coliform and E.coli which has the potential to pose a health risk to humans who come into contact with contaminated water,” said Mr Neeson.
“Swimming is not advised at either location at any time of year as they are not safe or dedicated swimming areas. The advice is to stop swimming at these locations immediately as E.coli has the potential to make you sick. Council will continue to update community on future sampling.
"Council manages the land from which the community accesses the river, however the waterway itself remains under the delegation of the Catchment Management Authority. Council’s responsibility is therefore limited to investigating any potential public health risks associated with access from our recreation reserves,” concluded Mr Neeson.
Council will continue to monitor these locations as the health and safety of the community is our priority.
For further information, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Department on 5573 0444.