Check air and water quality
Air monitoring network status
Sometimes we cannot show data for a monitoring site. This could be because we're doing maintenance work or equipment is not working.
Footscray: Air monitoring site is offline due to routine maintenance and data is not being collected at this station. EPA expects data to become available on the website from 5pm, 25/07/2025. The air quality forecast for Melbourne is expected to be GOOD. (25 July 2025)
Geelong South: Monitoring for PM2.5 is currently offline due to routine maintenance and PM2.5 data is not being collected at this site. EPA expects this data to become available on the website from 5pm, 25 July 2025. The air quality forecast for Central is expected to be GOOD. (25 July 2025)
Footscray: Monitoring for Visibility is currently not displaying on the website due to technical difficulties, but Visibility data is still being collected at site. EPA technicians are working to resolve the issue. (9 July 2025)
Fog can cause low visibility readings within EPA’s air monitoring network due to high levels of moisture in the air. EPA staff will monitor visibility readings during periods forecast for high levels of fog. (21 March 2025)
Disclaimer - Air quality data
Air quality data comes directly from our air monitoring sites using various types of monitoring equipment and methods. This data may be adjusted later according to set criteria to account for monitoring equipment errors, power interruptions and other technical issues.
We aim to locate our monitoring sites so they represent the air quality experienced by the public. As most of the Victorian population lives and works close to roads, most of our sites are in population centres next to roads.
Locating our monitoring sites close to roads can also mean we do not always comply with one of the requirements of the Australian Standard for sitting (AS 3580.1.1:2016). This standard specifies that air monitoring sites should be more than 50m away from a road. Learn more about our National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation.
When map data is updated
Incidents
From the time incident air monitoring is requested, it can take up to 24 hours for air quality data to be available.
Impacts to waterbodies will receive a water quality alert.
Air quality
Current air quality is updated hourly with data collected from our air quality monitoring sites across Victoria. Air quality forecasts are updated daily at 5 pm with forecasts for the next 24 hours.
Sometimes we cannot show data for a monitoring site. This could be because we're doing maintenance work, equipment is not working, or there's an issue with this website.
Check the air monitoring network status above to see air monitoring equipment that's offline.
Historical hourly air quality data from EPA's sites measuring against the National Environment Protection Measures is available on data.vic.gov.au. For any other site data contact 1300 372 842.
Water quality at Port Phillip bay beaches and Yarra
We provide water quality forecasts twice a day:
- at 10 am for the morning forecast
- at 3 pm for the afternoon and next-day forecast.
You can see water quality forecasts on the map, our X account @VicGovEPA(opens in a new window) and signs at patrolled lifesaving clubs on weekends and public holidays between November and April. Learn how we forecast water quality.
Water quality alerts
Water quality alerts are based on pollution reports or other notifications received by EPA. They are an indication of the location of potential pollution or other activities that may impact water quality. Pollution or other impacts can also move with time. EPA removes alerts based on EPA or other updates, or if no other pollution reports are received for a waterbody.
Incidents
Our incident air monitoring equipment responds rapidly to an incident, such as a major fire. We use it when requested by emergency services.
We provide technical support during an incident. For example, air or water sampling and monitoring, and advice on the environmental impacts and health risks of pollution and waste. Learn more about our incident response.
Incident air quality data
Our portable incident air monitoring equipment gives us local data about the impacts of a pollution event at a specific site. We also have incident air monitoring sites located near the community.
Our standard and incident air monitoring equipment is located at ground level. It only provides data on air quality at that level.
There are circumstances where we do not deploy incident monitoring equipment. For example, if an incident is likely to be over quickly, or it’s not safe due to conditions.
How we monitor air quality
Every hour, we measure air pollutants across Victoria. Learn about the equipment we use, how we calculate the air quality categories, and how our forecasts can help you plan your day.
Check our air alerts for issues or incidents affecting air quality in a specific area.
How we monitor water quality
We forecast and monitor recreational water quality for 36 beaches in Port Phillip Bay and 4 locations along the Yarra River. Learn how we measure, test and report on water quality, and how our forecasts can help you decide when it's safe to swim.
To get an SMS when water quality is poor at a beach near you, subscribe to beach forecasts, or unsubscribe from receiving SMSs.
Environment monitoring API for developers
Our environment monitoring API provides access to real-time information. This includes environment quality, notices and forecasts from our monitoring sites.
Connect to the EPA developer portal.
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