Victoria’s waterways are about to turn a corner as far as their water quality is concerned, according to Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) Chief Environmental Scientist, Professor Mark Taylor.

Professor Taylor says bay water testing only met environmental health standards 77 per cent of the time in December 2022 compared with 93 per cent in 2021.

“On average, from 2018 to 2021, December bay water quality did not meet standards on only 9 per cent of occasions. This summer, the December fail rate is 23 per cent,” said Professor Taylor

“We have flood waters and some very heavy rainfall in from October to December 2022 to blame for that, October and November 2022 rainfalls were very much above average. But the good news is that we’re expecting an improvement in the weather and with it a return to our usual high levels of water quality performance in the bay.”

The situation on the state’s other beaches and inland waterways has also been poor, but that is also improving.

“Better weather will help the improving trend but we still advise people to self-assess; if the water looks discoloured, or is foaming heavily, or there is odour; if you’re near a drain, river or creek outlet and there’s been rain in the last 48 hours, pick another day to go for a swim.

“Check the EPA Beach Report and Yarra Watch for twice daily updates.”

Professor Taylor said swimming in poor water could cause skin irritations or gastro, and that if you did feel ill after swimming consider contacting a health professional.`

Beach Report and Yarra Watch are available and updated twice daily in summer at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report