Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is calling on beach goers to slip on their detective’s hat while snapping their selfies this summer.
From today, beach goers can submit photos of drains at five bayside beaches – Sandringham, Mentone, Mordialloc, Dromana and Rye – to assist with EPA’s Drain Detectives citizen science project.
The pilot program will help EPA and our project partners build a better picture of what is coming out of our stormwater drains and when, to better understand any patterns of potential pollution or issues.
“We know people love to capture a great day out at the beach but if they can also capture one more picture for EPA while they’re there it may help us ensure more great days at the beach in future,” EPA’s Recreational Water Quality Program Coordinator Darren Cottam said.
“All it takes to become a drain detective is a smartphone and access to the internet.
“If you’re near a Drain Detectives sign and see the water flowing from the nearby drain, simply take a photo of the flow and upload it to http://go.vic.gov.au/Drains. You can also log observations like the colour of the water or if there is an odour.
“It’s an easy way for people to make a contribution to the health of their environment.
“The more data we have, the better position we’re in to make our beaches and the Bay as healthy as possible.”
The pilot project also includes a team of volunteers who have been trained to conduct regular, more-detailed monitoring at the five beaches and a trial of water quality sensors.
“Water quality at Bay beaches is generally good, but we want to work with beach users to understand and tackle pollution coming from drains and impacting the water quality,” Mr Cottam said.
“Drain Detectives will support our regular Yarra and Bay water quality forecasts, which have been running for more than 20 years to help swimmers make informed decisions on where and when to swim.”
As a precaution, EPA encourages people not to play or swim in water directly flowing from a drain.
Drain Detective signs are located near Sandringham, Mentone, Mordialloc and Dromana Life Saving Clubs, and Rye Yacht Club.
The pilot project is led by EPA and funded by the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund and is in partnership with Bayside and Kingston City Councils, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Port Phillip EcoCentre, Monash University, South East Water, Melbourne Water, Beach Patrol (Sandringham, Dromana and Rye), Hampton Sailing Club and Rye Yacht Club.
To find out more about Drain Detectives or to check the forecasted water quality of Bay beaches visit yarraandbay.vic.gov.au
To register your interest in becoming a volunteer Drain Detective visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/programs/citizen-science-program/citizen-science-projects/drain-detectives