About Report Card
EPA produces an annual Report Card, which gives a 12-month summary of the water quality for:
- Port Phillip Bay
- Western Port
- Gippsland Lakes and their catchments.
These bays and lakes are the largest coastal waterbodies in Victoria.
EPA, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), and Melbourne Water monitor water quality in these regions. Each year, EPA collect samples from the marine bays and lakes. DELWP collect samples from rivers and streams in Gippsland. Melbourne Water collect samples from waterways in greater Melbourne. The sampling data is then collated and used to calculate an annual rating based on key water quality indicators.
A rating of Very Good or Good indicates that water quality meets objectives in the Environment Reference Standard for Victoria. A rating of Poor or Very Poor indicates that the environmental condition of the waterway is under stress.
Stressors such as excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), increased sediment and algal blooms are potential risks to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Report Card provides an annual snapshot of long-term condition and shows a history for each region over the last twenty years.
Overall, water quality has stayed relatively steady, even though population pressures have increased over time.
As water flows from upland forest, through agricultural land, and into urban environments, changes in land use such as urban growth, industrial activities, intensive agriculture and run-off from urban areas may impact water quality.
Read Report Card to find out about water quality
How Victoria is improving water quality
During 2020–21, EPA worked to improve water quality in Victoria’s waterways, lakes and bays through a number of initiatives:
- Introduction of the Environment Reference Standard 2021.
- Release of updated Urban Stormwater Management Guidance 2021.
- New guidance for Civil Construction, Building and Demolition Industries.
- Continuation of the Officers for Protection of Local Environment (OPLEs) program.
The Victorian Government, community and other groups also worked to improve water quality through developing and applying effective policies and projects, including:
DELWP's Water for Victoria Water Plan, especially the Integrated Water Management Framework
Lake Wellington Land and Water Management Plan
Melbourne Water's Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018–2028
Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan
Waterway health projects across the state, including East Gippsland and West Gippsland.
Find out more about water quality
The Victorian Government, community and other groups continue to monitor water quality to assess the health of Victoria’s water environments. Find out more about water quality monitoring:
How EPA monitors water quality
DELWP surface water monitoring
DELWP Index of Estuary Condition
Gippsland Lakes Environment Report
Reviewed 2 February 2022
