Current alerts affecting Port Phillip Bay and its associated water catchments
Avoid contact with water in Merri Creek, Coburg North
Issued Saturday, 21 December 2024 at 8:25pm
Due to an industrial fire there is potential for unknown contaminants to enter Merri Creek downstream of Carr street, Coburg North. As precautionary measures:
- Do not let your pets enter the water.
- Do not use the water for any recreational use.
- Do not consume any animal such as fish and crayfish caught in the Merri Creek.
Environmental water release for the Lower Werribee River
Issued Friday, 20th December 2024 at 3:10 pm
Melbourne Water will be conducting a environmental water release for the Lower Werribee River. It will commence the summer/autimn fresh release of approximately 195 megalitres (ML) of water for the environment for the lower Werribee River from Saturday 21 December to Sunday 22 December. It will pass over the lower Werribee Diversion Weir on Saturday 21 December to Sunday 22 December with a peak flow of 135 megalitres per day. Melbourne Water expect minor increases in the water level which is well within the natural seasonal variation of the river system.
Avoid swimming at northern beaches in Port Phillip Bay if discoloured water or fish deaths are observed
Issued 11 December 2024 at 3:00 pm
There may be algal species that can cause discoloured water and fish deaths at northern beaches (Altona-Beaumaris) in Port Phillip Bay. The algae were detected in early December and may still be present due to lack of rain.
EPA advises beachgoers to avoid recreational activities including swimming in areas where there are signs of discoloured water, dead fish or other wildlife. It is also advised to not consume any dead fish washed up at beaches.
If you see discoloured water not related to rain and stormwater pollution, dead fish or other wildlife, please report to EPA through our website or by ringing 1300 372 842.
Avoid contact with water at Merlynston Creek, Coolaroo
Issued Friday, 6 December 2024 at 10:44 am
Pollution observed in the Merlynston Creek, Coolaroo. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Avoid contact with water at Stony Creek, Yarraville
Issued Friday, 22nd November 2024 at 1:30 pm
EPA Officers are investigating discoloured water in Stony Creek near Cruikshank park in Yarraville. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Avoid contact with water at Koonung Koonung Creek, Nunawading
Issued Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 2:00 pm
EPA Officers have investigated discoloured water in Koonung Koonung Creek at the Eastern Freeway Linear Reserve in Nunawading. No source of pollution could be identified. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Environmental water release for the Lower Werribee River
Melbourne Water will be conducting a environmental water release for the Lower Werribee River. It will commence the spring low flow release of approximately 225 megalitres (ML) of water for the environment for the lower Werribee River from Tuesday 12 November to Friday 15 November. The release will start from Melton Reservoir. It will pass over the lower Werribee Diversion Weir on Wednesday 13 November to Friday 15 November with a peak flow of 80 megalitres per day. Melbourne Water expect minor increases in the water level which is well within the natural seasonal variation of the river system. A river level rise of approximately 20cm on current conditions may be experienced downstream of the lower diversion weir. River level rise experienced between Melton Reservoir and the lower diversion weir will be well within current operations of the river, as experienced in recent days and weeks.
Swim advisory for Launching Place at Yarra River
Issued Friday, 8th November 2024 at 2:00 pm
EPA testing has confirmed unacceptable water quality at Launching Place (Don Road). The exact location of poor water quality can be found by zooming in on the pin on the Yarra Watch webpage map. Avoid swimming until further notice by EPA Victoria.
Avoid contact with water at Edwardes Lake, Reservoir
Issued Friday, 25th October 2024 at 01:49 pm
There are reports of an oil-like substance in Edwardes Lake, Reservoir. EPA officers are investigating. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
PFAS risk assessment on fish in Maribyrnong River
Issued Tuesday, 7th May 2019 at 2:00 pm.
EPA has conducted a risk assessment on levels of PFAS in fish caught from the Maribyrnong River. As a result EPA recommends anglers don’t consume fish caught from the Maribyrnong River upstream of Solomons Ford in Avondale Heights to Deep Creek at Bulla, and within all of Arundel Creek.
Reviewed 21 December 2024
