The Environment Protection Authority is warning Melburnians to think twice about going for a swim during what’s expected to be a warm and humid Labour Day long weekend.
A total of 34 of Port Phillip Bay’s 36 monitored beaches are forecast to have just fair water quality tomorrow, which will likely carry over into Sunday and Monday.
These include Altona and Williamstown beaches.
The dip in water quality is because of recent rainfall, which has washed days of pent up waste from March’s scorching dry spell down stormwater drains and out into the bay.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR HOBSONS BAY VIA WILLYWEATHER
“There may be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels in the water, which can lead to gastroenteritis,” the EPA’s Damian Wells says.
He advised people to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets up to two days after rain or in areas where water is murky.
Rains that broke Melbourne’s pre-Christmas heatwave last year also caused elevated bacteria levels, with water samples showing bacteria readings reached a two-year high.
Only Portsea and Eastern Beach in Geelong (the bay’s best spot for water quality) are expected to be suitable for swimming on Saturday.
The weather bureau is forecasting humid weather and potential showers for the long weekend, with temperatures set to hover around the mid 20s.
Check out the EPA’s Yarra and Bay website for water quality forecasts.
Craig Butt, The Age
