By Matthew Sims
The Environment Protection Authority [EPA] Victoria has updated its water quality forecast for Williamstown Beach back to safe levels following a vegetable oil spill.
The EPA issued a water quality alert on Tuesday, January 3, advising members of the public to avoid contact with the oily material along the beach and in the water at St Kilda Harbour, with further alerts then issued for beaches in Williamstown, Elwood, Middle Park, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Sandridge.
The EPA has since been updated its water quality rating for Williamstown beach to good, while South Melbourne, St Kilda, Elwood, Port Melbourne and Sandridge have been upgraded to fair.
The EPA has been investigating the source of the spill, which has been identified as vegetable oil, which presents no hazard to human health but is still unpleasant for beachgoers and can harm some wildlife.
Overall, EPA chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Taylor said water quality across the state’s waterways are set to improve following low water quality during the latter part of 2022, including a failure rate of 23 per cent during December 2022.
“We have flood waters and some very heavy rainfall in from October to December 2022 to blame for that,” he said.
“The good news is that we’re expecting an improvement in the weather and with it a return to our usual high levels of water quality performance in the bay.
“Better weather will help the improving trend but we still advise people to self-assess; if the water looks discoloured, or is foaming heavily, or there is odour; if you’re near a drain, river or creek outlet and there’s been rain in the last 48 hours, pick another day to go for a swim.”
Professor Taylor said swimming in poor water could cause skin irritations or gastroenteritis, and if you do feel ill after swimming, consider contacting a health professional.
Details: www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report or www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/current-projects-issues/water-quality-alerts
