As we head into the holiday period, EPA encourages all Victorians to be cautious about water quality at beaches and waterways. While contamination levels are improving, the situation is highly variable.

 

Flood areas

Floodwaters are subsiding but they have carried higher levels of pollution into our waterways and onto beaches.  If there are signs of pollution such as odour and discolouration, avoid swimming and other activities such as kayaking or boating. 

  

EPA’s advises to

• Avoid contact with Murray River floodwaters downstream of Swan Hill, including the Mildura region, including boating and kayaking.  
• Don’t swim in the Barwon and Maribyrnong Rivers but activities like boating and kayaking, where water is less likely to be swallowed, is okay.

E. coli levels fluctuate with heavy rains so if you have been in contact with floodwaters and if you feel unwell, see your doctor. 

 

EPA is shifting the focus of its flood monitoring efforts to areas that are likely to be used for recreational water-based activities. We have tested water quality at 37 locations on flood-impacted waterways around Victoria. Monitoring continues at 24 locations, including in the north west of the state around Mildura. 

 

Monitored contaminants such as E.coli are decreasing and trace metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, phthalates, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are generally below levels of concern. 

 

EPA also asks recreational anglers to be cautious regarding fish catches from recently flooded waters. Consumption of vegetables that have come into contact with floodwaters is also not recommended. For more information go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/water/heavy-rainfall-events/how-to-manage-waste-after-a-flood/health-risks-from-flood-waters

 

More information and the full results go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/flood-impacted-waterways

 

Beaches

Use EPA’s Beach Report and Yarra Watch for twice daily updates forecasting whether 36 Port Philip Bay beaches are Good, Fair or Poor at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report

 

Recent dry weather has led to improved conditions on most Victorian beaches but check for signs of pollution such as discoloured water, drains flowing, odour and sea foam even at beaches rated ‘Fair’. Avoid swimming at beaches near waterways for up to 48 hours after rain events.

 

Outside the heads at the Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove surf beaches, contamination conditions are now considered okay to swim in.