Poor water quality in Port Phillip Bay beaches forecasted

Swimming at the waters of Port Phillip Bay poses increased health risks to swimmers, warns Victoria's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after it has predicted poor water quality. Areas affected are some of the most famous swimming spots in Melbourne.

In a statement, EPA has explained that bouts of heavy rainfall are usually associated with poor water quality at beaches across Port Phillip Bay. The organisation has also warned beachgoers about higher risk of illness due to the fact that the bodies of water are swamped with increased bacterial levels.

EPA has earlier advised swimmers of high levels of faecal pollution at beaches in Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne swimming spots at St Kilda and Brighton were affected.

EPA group manager of applied sciences Dr Anthony Boxshall has warned against swimming at all waterways and beaches for up to 48 hours. “Heavy rain and storms can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in drains into waterways,” Boxshall said.

In its official website, the organisation urges beachgoers to keep on checking water quality forecasts. Swimmers can also sign up for SMS alerts before heading to Port Phillip Bay’s beaches.

The SMS service is free and it provides notifications when a "POOR" water quality forecast is issued for Port Phillip Bay beaches. Updates would allow Victorians to make informed decisions about swimming at beaches during the Beach Report season. Regions covered by the SMS service include the following.

Melbourne beaches

Werribee South, Altona, Williamstown, Sandridge, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, Hampton, Sandringham, Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Mentone, Mordialloc, Aspendale, Carrum, Seaford and Frankston beaches.

Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula beaches

Eastern, The Dell, Portarlington, St Leonards and Santa Casa (Queenscliff).

Mornington Peninsula beaches

Canadian Bay, Mornington, Mt Martha, Safety Beach, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea.