Flood-impacted waterways
Water quality results from 37 sampling locations across Victoria
Floodwaters can carry a range of bacteria and chemicals into our rivers and waterways. In response to the recent floods, EPA has monitored 18 Victorian waterways at 37 locations to better understand the level of risk to human health and the environment.
There are many health risks associated with floodwaters. Avoid contact if possible. If you feel unwell after exposure to a flood-impacted waterway, contact your doctor for advice.
E. coli bacteria are one of the many groups of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. They are a useful indicator of faecal contamination from sewage or animal manure. Levels of E. coli fluctuate. They often increase quickly after heavy rainfall due to runoff, but then decrease quickly. As rain is forecast, we expect these fluctuations to continue.
As rain is forecast, we expect bacteria fluctuations in our waterways to continue.
Some waterways have been tested for COPC. This includes metals and chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Data collected to date indicates COPC are below levels of concern for recreational water use.
Since 20 October we have monitored the water quality of 18 waterways at 37 locations across Victoria.
As we move from emergency response to recovery, we have reduced the number of testing locations. As at 22 December 2022, we are monitoring 24 locations. Our current focus is on waterways with high recreational use. Particularly where there is still standing water or other residual flood impacts.
Monitoring for bacteria continues.
Monitoring ended as floodwaters have receded.
Monitoring ended as floodwaters have receded.
Monitoring for bacteria continues.
Monitoring for bacteria has started.
Monitoring for bacteria to start soon.
Monitoring for bacteria continues at Coliban Pool only.
Monitoring for bacteria continues.
Monitoring has ended as floodwaters have receded.
Monitoring for bacteria continues at Cairn Curran Reservoir and Bridgewater only.
Monitoring for bacteria continues.
Monitoring the waterway for bacteria continues, soil testing has ended.
Monitoring for bacteria continues, with new sites added in Mildura.
Monitoring has ended as floodwaters have receded.
Monitoring for bacteria continues.
Note, this map has not yet been updated with the new monitoring locations. In the meantime, please refer to the list above.
EPA water quality monitoring locations changed as the effect of flooding moved through the state.
Initial sampling locations were chosen because of the potential risks as floodwaters entered townships like Echuca and Shepparton.
As flood waters have receded in many areas, our focus has shifted. Our sampling locations are now waterways with high recreational use, that still has standing water or other residual flood impacts. Many of these sites are in the north-east and north-west of Victoria.
We are testing water, sediment and soil samples from flood-impacted rivers to understand the level of risk to human health and the environment. Monitoring results are reviewed against health and environmental guideline values. We will update the results here, as soon as new data is available.
The health risk of flood-impacted soil (from microorganisms like E. coli) is expected to decline naturally over time. To decrease the risks, residents should remove flood sediment where possible. If it cannot be removed, you should rake it into the soil. This will help break it down faster.
Always wear gloves during flood clean-up activities, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Learn about the ongoing issue with PFAS chemicals in the Maribyrnong catchment
Learn how EPA monitors Victoria's water quality for our beaches, rivers and waterways.
Reviewed 22 December 2022