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Swimming in waterways with some types of microbes can make you sick. A microbe is a tiny organism, such as bacteria or viruses. Harmful microbes can come from:
- sewage overflows
- stormwater drains
- animal faecal matter in run-off. Faecal matter is poo
- litter.
Where harmful microbes in Port Phillip Bay’s water come from
Source: EPA Victoria, Preliminary data for selected beaches in Port Phillip Bay, 2018.Note: Average source contribution to total faecal contamination.
The effect of microbes in water on your health
The most common environmental health issue when swimming at the beach is getting a bout of gastroenteritis (gastro). This happens when you swallow water with harmful microbes. You can also get skin, eye or nose infections from the water. Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience these health effects.
How you can protect yourself from microbes in the water
- Beach Report and Yarra Watch can tell you when the microbe levels are safe.
- Keep away from stormwater drains.
- Don't swim in waterways or at beaches for 48 hours after lots of rain. Rain washes stormwater with harmful microbes onto our beaches and into rivers.
- Better Health Channel has more ways to protect your health.
How you can reduce your impact on our waterways
- Pick up after your dog and help keep stormwater cleaner.
- Don't litter or put waste down stormwater drains.
- Don't attract birds on the beach by feeding them.
- Report surface water pollution
Find out more
- EPA monitors and forecasts water quality at 36 beaches around Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River during the summer season.
- Learn more about point and nonpoint sources of water pollution.