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Explore water quality across Victorian beaches

EPA forecasts water quality for 36 beaches in Port Phillip Bay.

EPA also issues alerts when there is an issue affecting a waterbody in Victoria.

Beach Report season is now open. Always check for signs of pollution before you swim.

 

Avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24-48 hours after heavy rain.

Water quality forecast key

  • Good

    Suitable for swimming

  • Fair

    May not be suitable for swimming

  • Poor

    Not suitable for swimming

  • Illegal

    City bylaws prevent swimming

  • Not available

    Forecast data unavailable

View data in table format

Healthy swimming advice

For healthy swimming:

  • Avoid swimming near stormwater drains 
  • Avoid swimming for 48 hours after rain
  • Try not to swallow water during recreation 
  • Cover cuts and scratches with waterproof bandages
  • Wash your skin with soap after touching the water and shower after swimming

Forecasts

Good means water quality is probably suitable for swimming.

Fair means water quality may not be suitable for swimming. Check for signs of pollution before you swim. For example; stormwater drains flowing, murky water, bad smell, and rubbish.

Poor means water quality is probably not suitable for swimming.

When a forecast is not available, you can protect your health by not swimming near drains or river outlets for 48 hours after rain.

Children, older people and people with a weakened immune system are most at risk of getting sick from polluted water.

EPA posts forecasts on this website, Twitter, and signs at lifesaving clubs (on weekends and public holidays).

View sampling results

You can view recent sampling results for Beach Report sites at DataVic.

Get water quality forecast alerts on your phone

Sign up to EPA’s free SMS service. You'll get a text when the water at a beach near you is forecast to have poor water quality. 

Sign up for SMSs now

Unsubscribe from SMSs

How are forecasts calculated?

EPA forecasts are based on rain, water quality history, sunlight, weekly sampling, and pollution reports.

EPA tests water samples for bacteria found in faeces called enterococci.

Enterococci is the best indicator for measuring pollution from faecal contamination at beaches.

In poor water quality, bacteria may lead to illness. A common illness from swimming in poor quality water is gastroenteritis. You should see your doctor if you suspect you are unwell from swimming.

We assess water quality against the Environment Reference Standard which came into effect in 2021.

Reviewed 15 March 2022