SA's recreational reservoir opens

The South Australian government may allow access to a drinking water catchment south of Adelaide.

The Myponga Reservoir opened on Sunday to be used for recreational purposes.

In the first stage of its opening, visitors will be able to walk, run, cycle, bird watch, picnic and visit lookout platforms.

Environment Minister David Speirs said the reservoir will be opened in stages to allow for more activities and things to do.

"The reservoir is an anchor point for the local community and will draw more people in to explore the broader township and businesses here," he said.

Mr Speirs said shore-based fishing and potential water access will be explored in the future.

"This is a drinking water catchment and this has been done very well interstate," he said.

"We're taking the models from interstate and laying them over the South Australian context and working from there.

"Using what has happened interstate, we have full confidence that it has no impact on drinking water quality.

"The filtration systems in place in South Australian reservoirs are extensive and state-of-the-art and deals with all those issues."

Myponga Reservoir provides water for around 30,000 properties across the Fleurieu Peninsula and very southern suburbs of Adelaide.

In the last budget, $5 million was set aside for planning and initial infrastructure works to a number of reservoirs across the state.