The Quiet Lakes are formed by three interlinked, non-tidal lakes – Legana, Illawong and Carramar. They are a key part of the local drainage system, receiving stormwater that drains into Patterson River and the McLeod Road pump station.
Maintenance responsibilities
Together with residents, Melbourne Water and Kingston City Council share responsibility for maintaining the Patterson Lakes waterways, as outlined in the Patterson Lakes Waterway Management Plan (2.07 MB, PDF).
Please contact:
- Kingston City Council for beach and recreational matters
- Melbourne Water for drainage and water quality matters.
Water quality management
We test water quality at several locations around the Quiet Lakes, checking blue-green algae levels regularly. In summer, we monitor E. coli weekly against secondary contact recreational use, as agreed following the 2013 Independent Review.
If this exceeds the recommended standards, we advise residents by:
- posting warning signs
- updating our website.
For more information on the difference between primary contact (swimming, surfing, diving) and secondary contact recreation (paddling, boating, fishing), see the Department of Health’s advice on recreational water.
Your responsibilities
Remember, you are responsible for your guests’ behaviour and should make sure they respect others’ privacy – especially when using open or shared areas.
Boating
Powerboats, including jet skis, are not permitted on the Quiet Lakes. Only non-powered boats are allowed, such as:
- small sailing boats
- kayaks
- canoes
- dinghies.
Fishing
To fish, you must have a current recreational fishing licence under the Fisheries Act (1995) and regulations. For more information or to apply for a licence, visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
Pets and animals
Please control your pets to avoid spoiling the environment we all enjoy. This includes:
- picking up after your pet
- keeping your pet on a leash
- stopping your pet from roaming off your property.
Do not feed or leave scraps out for seagulls, pelicans, ducks or other birds – this harms their health and affects water quality and the environment.