Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has forecast 32 Port Phillip Bay beaches as good, one as fair and three as poor today.
Port Melbourne beach is rated as poor due to recent water samples returning elevated enterococci readings – recognised as being the best indicator in measuring faecal contamination of marine recreational waters.
Frankston Life Saving Club and Frankston Coast Guard beaches have also received poor forecasts due to a sewage spill into Kananook Creek this morning.
St Kilda beach has received a fair rating, meaning that recreational water quality is good but could be affected by rainfall particularly if the beach is close to a stormwater outlet.
The rest of Port Phillip Bay’s 32 beaches have been rated as having good water quality.
EPA Applied Sciences Group Manager, Dr Anthony Boxshall encouraged beachgoers to check water quality forecasts, or sign up for SMS alerts, before hitting Port Phillip Bay’s beaches this weekend.
“Most Port Phillip Bay beaches usually have reasonably good water quality and Victorian beaches are great places to visit, but they are also complex ecosystems,” he said.
“Heavy rain and storms are the highest risk to water quality when they follow extended periods of dry weather as they can flush stormwater system pollution into the bay. Always steer clear of swimming near stormwater outlets.”
“This holiday season many people will be spending time in the water and we want to make sure they don't get sick. Everyone should be checking the forecast before they go swimming.”
EPA always advises against swimming in the bay and river for up to 48 hours after heavy rain, especially near stormwater drains as there may be a risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels.
EPA issues twice-daily water quality forecasts of good, fair and poor for Port Phillip Bay’s 36 beaches online and via twitter @EPA_Victoria. People can also sign up for SMS alerts at yarraandbay.vic.gov.au
Water quality information is also displayed on signs at 28 Life Saving Victoria clubs around Port Phillip Bay on weekends and public holidays advising the public about current water quality forecasts.