Howard Springs Nature Park: Synthesis of What We Know

Chronology of recent testing and swimming closures

1988 January - E.coli analysis readings are 2800 organisms per 100ml
1988 December – E.coli readings are 4000 organisms per 100ml
1990-Weekly sampling of the waterhole for bacterial analysis started.
1993 February –bacterial count was 1700 per 100ml
1999/2000 – Anh Tho Tien wrote a report Influence of Deep Aquifer Springs on Dry Season Stream Quality in Darwin Rural Area, which says the dense water polants growth is an issue and that the 1999/2000 faecal coliform counts exceeded the ANZECC guideline of 150organisms per 100ml for the majority of her study time.
2005 October – Swimming closed as Spring had stopped flowing and water levels dropping.
2005 November - aeration system installed to maintain oxygen levels in the waterhole. Investigation done regarding the use of the bore to supplement water into the waterhole.
2006 May – Swimming permitted in the waterhole using the guidelines appropriate for that time.
2007 May – Swimming stopped while comprehensive data collection of bacteria in the waterhole is done for the next 12 months using the new guidelines developed by (the then Northern Territory Government) Department of Health and Community Services