Swimming in waterways with some types of microbes can make you sick. Harmful microbes can come from sewage overflows, stormwater drains, animal poo in run-off and litter.
Where do harmful microbes in Bay beach water come from?
Source: EPA Victoria, Preliminary data for selected beaches in Port Phillip Bay, 2018.Note: Average source contribution to total faecal contamination.
The effect on your health
The most common environmental health issue when swimming at the beach is getting a bout of gastroenteritis (gastro). This happens when you swallow water with harmful microbes. You can also get skin, eye or nose infections from the water. Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to these health issues.
How can I protect myself?
- EPA's Beach Report and Yarra Watch can tell you when the microbe levels are safe.
- Keep away from stormwater drains
- Lots of rain washes stormwater with harmful microbes onto our beaches and into rivers. So, don't swim after lots of rain!
- Click here for more ways to protect your health.
- Report surface water pollution
How can I reduce my impact?
- Pick up after your dog and help keep stormwater cleaner.
- Don't litter or put waste down stormwater drains.
- Don't attract birds on the beach by feeding them.
Find out more
- Point and nonpoint sources of water pollution, EPA Victoria
- EPA monitors and forecasts water quality at 36 beaches around Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River during the summer season.