SA WATER continues to assess options for the safe removal of a vehicle which plunged around 150 metres into the Blue Lake two weeks ago.
The car will likely be floated to a more accessible location for retrieval by crane.
The sole occupant of the Mitsubishi Triton was rescued during a four-hour cross agency operation on August 3 involving dozens of emergency services volunteers.
The 22-year-old driver had been ejected from the vehicle shortly before it plunged into the water and was transported to hospital with only minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the vehicle remains submerged at the edge of the massive crater – the source of the city’s water supply.
“We are working through plans to safely remove the car from the lake,” an SA Water spokesperson said yesterday.
“This will be a substantial job which requires careful planning and consideration of all potential risks.
“The process will likely involve the use of divers who will float the car to a more accessible location for retrieval by a crane.”
The spokesperson said while a time frame was yet to be confirmed, SA Water would make a formal announcement when plans were finalised.
Sampling and testing of water sourced from the Blue Lake earlier this month showed no signs of contamination.
Mount Gambier’s drinking water supply was returned to being sourced from the Blue Lake on August 6.
“As with all SA Water drinking water supplies across the state, we undertake regular and ongoing water quality monitoring and testing at the Blue Lake,” the spokesperson said.
“Results confirm the water continues to meet Australian drinking water guidelines.
“All water quality results are reported to SA Health and published on our website.”
