About Water Pollution
Pollution of Victoria's beaches comes in a variety of forms and arrises from
several sources. Beach pollution is commonly litter, discolored or smelly water and
elevated bacteriological counts - most frequently caused by stormwater.
When rain falls and enters our stormwater systems, street litter, dog droppings,
cigarette butts, leaf litter, oil and silt are transported to our beaches via the local
stormwater outlet. After heavy rains, Victoria’s bathing water quality can be
diminished due to pollution loads that result in elevated bacteriological levels.
You can do something about it at home, on the street and at the beach.
Our daily activities contribute to beach pollution. Litter left by beach goers
contributes cigarette butts, plastics, bottles, food and fishing scraps to our beaches.
Litter dropped in our catchments will often find its way to the stormwater system during
rains. Cleaning cars in the street, dropping litter in the gutter, oil spills on roads and
run-off from building sites can all contribute to the pollution of local waterways and the
beach.
When Victorian's sewage system is under pressure from excessive rain, sewer
overflows are installed to divert excess flows from the sewer into the stormwater system
or natural waterways. This is an uncommon event around Port Phillip Bay but during periods
of excessively wet weather or after mechanical faults, untreated sewage can enter the
stormwater system and contribute to the pollution of our beaches. As a matter of course,
EPA Victoria advises the beach-going public immediately it is aware of such an event.
The vast majority of sewage is moved from its source and treated normally by the
various water companies around Port Phillip Bay. However, some individuals break the law
and maintain illegal sewage connections that contribute to beach pollution. If you know
someone who is breaking the law, please inform your local water company or EPA
immediately.
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The contents of this page were last edited, Tuesday, 21 November 2006
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