Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is urging beachgoers to check the Beach Report forecasting service before hitting Port Phillip Bay’s 36 beaches this summer.
EPA Applied Sciences Group Manager Anthony Boxshall said Beach Report, back for its 23rd summer, would help keep Victorians informed about water quality in Port Phillip Bay from 1 December 2014 until Labour Day weekend next March.
“Our beaches are great places to visit, but they are also complex ecosystems. In certain conditions they can be home to types of bacteria like enterococcoi, which is a sign of faecal pollution and poses health risks to swimmers,” Dr Boxshall said.
“With 23 years of data we use models to predict when those conditions are likely. When EPA testing identifies these bacteria, we issue advice to the local council, who will erect signage warning of the risks posed to human health.”
Dr Boxshall said EPA scientists collected over 500 water samples last summer, with 97 per cent returning favourable swimming conditions.
“EPA also issued over 10,000 water quality forecasts for the Bay’s beaches to inform Victoria’s beachgoers,” Dr Boxshall said.
Dr Boxshall said people are advised to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24-48 hours after rain or in areas where water is discoloured, or debris, oil and scum is visible.
“Victorians can check the latest beach forecasts by visiting EPA’s Beach Report online or by following EPA on Twitter at @epa_victoria,” he said.
Dr Boxshall said that during summer, EPA would also investigate public reports of suspected algal blooms, pollution events or fish deaths.
“Reports should be made directly to EPA’s Pollution Hotline, 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842),” Dr Boxshall said.