Western Port beach water quality
EPA conducted beach water quality monitoring at ten popular beaches in Western Port during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 summer seasons. The results indicated good water quality at all monitored beaches in Western Port.
Monitoring occurred fortnightly at ten beaches in Western Port; Flinders, Shoreham, Point Leo, Merricks, Balnarring, Somers, Coronet Bay, Silverleaves, Cowes and Ventnor. Water samples were tested for enterococci bacteria, the recommended indicator of recreational water quality in marine and estuarine environments.
During fine weather, water quality was good at Western Port beaches and generally better than Port Phillip Bay. These good results were consistent over both summers, and were similar to historical monitoring.
Wet weather temporarily reduces water quality in Western Port, a similar trend to Port Phillip Bay. Rain transports pollutants such as litter, dog droppings, cigarette butts, leaves, oil and silt to our beaches via rivers, creeks and drains. Results have shown that water quality typically returns to normal by the next day.
EPA advises to avoid swimming near stormwater drains and creeks during and for 24 hours after rain.
The two-year project was part of the ‘Better Bays and Waterways’ water quality improvement plan for Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, which is supported with funding from the Commonwealth Government. This brings to a close the two-year Western Port monitoring program.
More Information and Results
Overall summary of results from both summers:
Western Port beach water quality – A two-year summary of the 2005-07 summers (PDFfile, 319KB)
Summary of 2005-06 summer:
Western Port Beach Water Quality 2005-06 (PDF file, 205KB)