Melbourne’s La Nina summer has not had quite the effect on recreational water users that was expected, at least, so far this summer. 

Rainfall in December was below average at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) rain gauges used by Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s (EPA) annual summer Beach Report and Yarra Watch service to forecast water quality.

Best performing beaches were on the Mornington Peninsula, south and to the east of the city. 

Portarlington and Carrum had the least number of ‘Good’ forecasts due to beach renourishment and construction work at Portarlington safe harbour, and dredging of the Paterson River mouth.

On the Yarra River, EPA monitors water quality at four popular swimming sites: Launching Place, Healesville, Warrandyte and Kew. Only Warrandyte was achieved ‘Good’ forecasts (81 per cent in December 2021) Other sites did not receive a forecast better than ‘Poor’ as they have background E. coli levels (a microbial water quality health risk indicator) close to the E. coli standard for primary contact (e.g., swimming) as stated in the Environment Reference Standard 2021.

A ‘Poor’ forecast indicates that microbial water quality may not be suitable for swimming and there could be an increased risk of illness for swimmers. EPA has worked with Parks Victoria; Manningham, and Yarra Ranges Council; and the Department of Health to ensure there are signs at sites in these reaches to minimise this public health risk. 

“We expected greater rainfall for the predicted La Nina weather pattern but so far at least, that hasn’t been the case at the BOM rain gauges the EPA uses to forecast water quality in the Bay,” said Darren Cottam, EPA Science.

“Swimming when water quality is poor can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis or uncomfortable skin rashes, but a few simple precautions will reduce those risks.”

The advice for healthy swimming at Bay beaches or in the Yarra is:
o Before swimming, check current water quality at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality
o Avoid swimming near stormwater drains
o Avoid swimming for 48 hours after rain
o Try not to swallow water during recreation
o Cover cuts and scratches with waterproof bandages
o Shower with soap after swimming.

EPA publishes the summer Beach Report and Yarra Watch each year from 1 December to the Labour Day weekend in March the following year. 

Beach rankings and number of ‘Good’ forecasts based on December 2021 water quality forecasts.

Beach	Ranking for Dec 2021	Number of Good forcasts
Portsea	1	29
Mt Martha Life Saving Club	1	29
Sorrento	3	28
Rosebud Life Saving Club	3	28
Mornington Life Saving Club	5	26
Canadian Bay	5	26
Blairgowrie	7	25
Dromana	7	26
Safety beach	7	25
Black Rock Life Saving Club	7	26
Half Moon Bay	7	26
Santa Casa	7	25
Hampton	13	26
Brighton Life Saving CLub	13	26
St Leonards	13	24
Rye	16	24
Frankston Coast Guard	16	24
Seaford	16	24
Aspendale Life Saving Club	16	24
Mordialloc	16	24
Mentone	16	24
Beaumaris	16	24
Sandringham	16	25
Eastern	16	23
Williamstown	26	24
Altona	27	23
The Dell	27	23
Elwood	29	22
South Melbourne Life Saving Club	29	22
Port Melbourne	29	22
Sandridge	29	22
St Kilda	33	20
Werribee Sth	33	20
Portalington	35	20
Carrum Surf Life Saving Club	36	12