With hopes for an improvement in Victoria’s weather many families will also be hoping to be able to get back in the water. So, when will it be safe to swim again?
According to EPA’s Chief Environmental Scientist, Professor Mark Taylor, the heavy rains have picked up natural and manmade contaminants as they swept across the state, entering into our waterways and eventually out to the Bay and ocean beaches.
“Typically, after a heavy rain event like we’ve just had, we can expect water quality to be poor for up to 48 hours, if the weather improves,'” said Professor Taylor.
“Higher levels of enterococci, waterborne contaminants, bring an increased risk of skin rashes, eye irritations and even gastro, for people and their pets if they are swimming in poor quality water.
‘We publish the Beach Report forecast twice daily in summer (Beach Report | Environment Protection Authority Victoria (epa.vic.gov.au) giving you a guide to water quality on popular Bay beaches but you can make a pretty good assessment yourself.
“Firstly, is the water on the nose; does it smell? What about the colour? If it’s streaky or discoloured it’s more likely to be poor in quality. Has it been raining recently where you are and are you about to swim near a drain or river mouth? If so, then think twice.
“If you’re a little unsure, wash off in fresh water and if there are signs of things like gastro, think about getting in touch with a health professional.
“The same advice works for all beaches and waterways. Our data shows that water quality has remained generally very good in Victoria since we started doing Beach Report 30 years ago. Conditions are highly variable from one beach to another, but a bit of commonsense is all you need.”
