SWIMMERS were in, out and shaking it all about at Frankston beach last week amid daily changes in water quality as a result of stormwater and faecal pollution.
Regular updates from the Environmental Protection Authority revealed a fluid situation with human and animal poo flowing into Port Phillip Bay after flash floods on Thursday 29 December.
EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash flooding.
“Heavy rain and storms can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in drains into waterways,” Dr Boxshall said in a statement.
“In certain conditions, they can be home to bacteria from faecal pollution that poses health risks to swimmers.”
The EPA declared water quality off Frankston beach as “fair” on Tuesday (3 January) but this was downgraded to “poor” on the Wednesday morning.
The environmental agency decided to monitor water quality daily near Frankston Life Saving Club to provide regular updates to beachgoers.
Poor water quality was also noted at Mentone beach last week and Mordialloc beach was assessed as having “fair” water quality.
Water quality information is displayed on signs at 28 Life Saving Victoria clubs around the bay during weekends and public holidays.
The EPA says people should look for signs of stormwater pollution before swimming – flowing drains, discoloured water, odour and litter along shorelines are signs that the beach may have poor water quality.
The EPA’s Beach Report forecasts run until the Labour Day weekend in March.
EPA issues twice-daily water quality forecasts of good, fair and poor for Port Phillip Bay’s 36 beaches at epa.vic.gov.au online.
