Current alerts affecting Port Phillip Bay and its associated water catchments
Environmental water release for the Yarra River
Issued Monday, 20 January 2025 at 9:30 am
Melbourne Water will be conducting a environmental water release for the Yarra River. It will commence the summer fresh release of approximately 1.7 gigalitres (GL) of water for the environment for the Yarra River from Monday 20 January to Friday 31 January. The release will start from Upper Yarra and O'Shannassy Reservoirs. It will pass Milligrove on Friday 24 January and Saturday 25 January with a peak flow of 350 megalitres per day. Released water will then combine with a release starting at Maroondah Reservoir along Watts River on Tuesday 21 January, providing a peak flow of 750 megalitres per day, passing Warrandyte on Monday 27 January and Tuesday 28 January. Melbourne Water expect minor increases in the water level which along main stems of the Yarra River and Watts River. A river level rise of approximately 20cm on current conditions is expected along the Yarra at Milligrove and Warrandyte, and a river level rise of approximately 30cm on current conditions is expected in the Watts River.
Dead Fish and Ducks at Ruffey Lake , Templestowe
Issued Friday, 17 January 2025 at 9:00 pm
There are reports of 4 dead fish and 2 ducks at Ruffey Lake, Templestowe. Melbourne Water contractors will attend site today or tomorrow to collect and dispose of any wildlife carcasses. Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has been notified. Avoid contact with the water and dead fish / ducks until further notice.
Blue-green algal bloom at Lynbrook Wetland Lake
Issued Friday, 10 January 2025 at 5:00 pm
A blue-green algal bloom has been detected at Lynbrook Wetland Lake (Banjo Paterson Lake) in Lynbrook. Melbourne Water have put signs up at key access points and are conducting weekly testing. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Avoid contact with water in Gunyong Creek, Mount Eliza
Issued Thursday 9th January 2025 at 6:00 pm
A sewage spill is affecting Gunyong Creek near Otaria Street in Mount Eliza. Avoid contact with the water until further notice
Avoid contact with water in Sweetwater Creek South Branch, Frankston South
Issued Tuesday, 31st December 2024 at 4:40 pm
A sewage spill is affecting Sweetwater Creek South Branch near Mulgra Street, Frankston South. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Avoid contact with water in Edwardes Lake, Reservoir
Issued Monday, 30th December 2024 at 01:24 pm
EPA officers are investigating an oil-like substance in Edwardes Lake, Reservoir. Avoid contact with the water until further notice.
Avoid contact with water in Merri Creek, Coburg North
Issued Saturday, 21 December 2024 at 8:25 pm
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.
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.
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.
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 20 January 2025
