Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) encourages Victorians to check its latest Beach Report and Yarra Watch forecasts before swimming at Port Philip Bay beaches or in the Yarra River.
EPA, which provides water quality forecasts for 36 Port Phillip Bay beaches and four sites along the Yarra River, has forecast fair to poor water quality across most sites today due to widespread rain.
Heavy rain can cause stormwater runoff, elevating the risk of high bacterial levels in the water. Forecasts will likely remain fair to poor on Friday as stormwater runoff often continues for one to two days after heavy rain.
EPA Executive Director of Regional Services Damian Wells said that heavy rain posed the highest risk to public beaches and the Yarra River when it followed extended periods of dry weather.
“Heavy rain can flush stormwater systems and carry pollution built up in the drains right into Port Phillip Bay’s beaches and the Yarra River catchment. As a result, there may be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels in the water, which can lead to gastroenteritis,” Mr Wells said.
“EPA advises people 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.”
EPA is encouraging Victorians to stay informed by visiting its online Beach Report at www.yarrandbay.vic.gov.au or following EPA on Twitter at @epa_victoria
Beach Report and Yarra Watch will run every day until the end of term one school holidays on 10 April 2016.