The forecast good weather this weekend will bring more people to Victoria’s waterways prompting Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) to remind everyone that water quality is still an issue to be considered.

“We’re all looking forward to getting back on and into the water and this weekend is our best chance in recent times,” said EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Taylor.

“If you’re planning on using Port Philip Bay beaches, watch the EPA Beach Report and Yarra Watch site ( https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report ), which will give you a better guide to local water quality conditions,” he said.

“Mostly we’re expecting good to fair conditions on Bay beaches but it will vary and you should use common sense. If you can see nearby drains flowing strongly, or the water is discoloured then it might be better to avoid contact with the water.

“The same advice applies for regional rivers, creeks and lakes, especially if they were recently flood-affected. Our regional rivers testing program has shown water quality is variable according to local conditions. So, if it looks discoloured or has an odour, our advice is to avoid contact if possible, either for swimming purposes or recreational activities like kayaking, boarding and sailing.”

Professor Taylor said people should still avoid contact with the Barwon River at Geelong and exercise caution with beaches at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.

EPA this week also issued advice for recreational anglers regarding fish catches from recently flooded waters and consumption of vegetables that have come into contact with floodwaters. For more information go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/water/heavy-rainfall-events/how-to-manage-waste-after-a-flood/health-risks-from-flood-waters