Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is urging beachgoers to check the water quality forecast before hitting Port Phillip Bay’s beaches this long weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting possible showers over the long weekend and a thunderstorm on Sunday, which could impact water quality in the bay.
Heavy rainfall is often associated with poor water quality at beaches across Port Phillip Bay.
EPA has forecast good water quality at all 36 Port Phillip Bay beaches for today and tomorrow, but this may be revised if heavy rainfall occurs.
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
Good forecasts equate to suitable swimming conditions, fair means beaches may not be suitable while poor forecasts advise that beaches are not suitable for swimming.
EPA also issues forecasts for popular Yarra River locations in Kew, Warrandyte, Healesville and Launching Place. Healesville is forecast to have fair conditions today and tomorrow, and the remainder good.
EPA advises against swimming at all waterways and beaches for up to 48 hours after heavy rain as there could be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels.
EPA forecasts predict water quality based on the latest weather conditions, water quality history, recent bacterial sampling results and pollution reports.
EPA’s 2016/17 summer Beach Report forecasts conclude on Monday afternoon.