The EPA monitors water quality on bay beaches from 1 December until the Labour Day long weekend each summer.
Beach reports are issued for Dendy Street Beach (Brighton), Hampton, Sandringham, Half Moon Bay, Black Rick and Beaumaris beaches.
The Beach Report involves twice daily forecasting and weekly sampling at 36 beaches around Port Phillip Bay.
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.
You can also keep up to date with EPA forecasts via their website, Twitter, and signs at lifesaving clubs (on weekends and public holidays).
In 2021-22, the Bureau of Meteorology have announced a La Niña weather pattern is now active. This will mean increased rainfall, which may cause increased algal blooms this summer compared to recent summers.
