Summer is making its annual comeback and Victorians are already welcoming the warmer weather by getting down to the Victoria’s beaches and waterways.
But even our usually pristine Port Phillip Bay waters sometimes carry unseen pollutants that can cause skin irritations and even gastro and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) wants everyone to check in on its Beach Report forecasting service before putting a toe in the water.
EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Dr Andrea Hinwood said Beach Report, back for its 30th summer, would help keep Victorians informed about water quality in Port Phillip Bay from this Tuesday, 1 December until Labour Day weekend next March.
“Victorians love their beaches. They’re great places to visit, but with such complex ecosystems, they can sometimes be home to types of bacteria that pose health risks to swimmers,” Dr Hinwood said.
“A common swimmer-related illness is gastroenteritis. Children, the elderly and people with vulnerable immune systems are at the highest risk of getting ill from water-borne germs.”
Dr Hinwood said more stringent water quality standards are being applied and help us ensure that EPA’s Beach Report is even more protective of health.
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