The first week of summer 2023 marks the thirtieth year of EPA Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay water quality Beach Report.

EPA provides an online, social media and SMS service, with regular water quality updates to help bay and Yarra River users get the most of out their time on, near or under the water.

EPA’s Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Taylor celebrated the milestone and what it has told us about water quality in Port Phillip Bay.

“EPA uses science and data to inform our actions, so these reports have been key in shaping our decision-making and efforts. It’s also great to see how much the community uses and values the information since the service started,” Professor Taylor said.

“After 30 years of monitoring, and more than 3,000 reports provided, we’re seeing water quality in the bay maintaining a high standard, something we will continue to focus on for the next 30 years and beyond.”

Professor Taylor encouraged everyone to continue to draw on this source of information, particularly as the weather warms up. 

“There are a lot of factors that affect water quality, but with an El Nino year and lower than average rainfall predicted, use of bay beaches is likely to increase, so we’re advising people to tune in and use the service,” he said.

Go to https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report to find out how you can use the service and stay informed.