Current alerts affecting Port Phillip Bay and its associated water catchments

Algal bloom in Port Melbourne

An algal bloom is affecting Port Phillip Bay near the Boulevard and First Point, Port Melbourne. If the water looks murky or discoloured, people are advised to avoid contact as it may cause skin irritation. If contact does occur, wash with clean water.

Environmental water release for the Yarra River

Melbourne Water will be delivering a winter/spring fresh release of approximately 1.3GL of water that has been set aside for the environment into the Birrarung (Yarra River) from Tuesday 17^th September to Sunday 29^th September. The peak flow is expected to be 700 ML/d at Millgrove (20^th – 22^nd September) and around 1300 ML/d at Warrandyte (22^nd – 24^th September). It is expected that increases in the water level along the main stem of the Birrarung will be approximately 10cm at Millgrove and 10cm at Warrandyte on current levels.

Avoid contact with water at Balcombe Creek, Mount Martha

A sewage spill is affecting Balcombe Creek, Mount Martha near Seppelt Avenue. Avoid contact with the water until further notice

Environmental water release for the Werribee River

Melbourne Water will be conducting a environmental water release for the Werribee River. This will give the Werribee River a boost with a continuous base flow delivery, through a small series of freshening flows and a spring high along Pyrites Creek from September to mid-November. The deliveries will commence on Monday 2^nd September from Merrimu Reservoir along Pyrites Creek to Melton Reservoir. It is expected slight increases in the water level, which is well within the natural variation of the river system. 

PFAS risk assessment on fish in Maribyrnong River

Issued Tuesday, 7th May 2019 at 2:00 pm.

EPA has conducted a risk assessment on levels of PFAS in fish caught from the Maribyrnong River. As a result EPA recommends anglers don’t consume fish caught from the Maribyrnong River upstream of Solomons Ford in Avondale Heights to Deep Creek at Bulla, and within all of Arundel Creek. 

More information