Flood-affected Barwon River spoiling water quality at beaches

THE Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has released a poor water quality warning for beaches at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads due to the flood-affected Barwon River.

EPA chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Taylor said people should avoid contact with the Barwon River in Geelong and exercise caution at beaches where it exits into the ocean.

“We’re all looking forward to getting back on and into the water and this weekend is our best chance in recent times,” he said.

“Mostly we’re expecting good to fair conditions on Bay beaches but it will vary and you should use common sense. If you can see nearby drains flowing strongly, or the water is discoloured, then it might be better to avoid contact with the water.”

While the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club marked its first day of patrols on November 26, Life Saving Victoria moved its junior and senior carnival on that weekend to Lorne due to water quality concerns.

An EPA spokesperson said water quality in the Barwon River and downstream was improving, but an estimate of how long it would take before the area was again safe to swim would depend on local conditions that are impacted by issues such as ongoing rainfall.

“We recommend people use their common sense and if it looks discoloured or there’s odour don’t swim,” he said.

The authorities most recent update on the Barwon River said water testing revealed that enterococci contamination was very high, and recommended against all contact including boating and canoeing.

“That includes the surf beaches adjacent to the Barwon River mouth. And don’t consume any fish taken from the Barwon,” EPA water scientist Darren Cottam said.

The authority stated the source of increased foam being witnessed in the Barwon River occurs naturally and is most likely the result of intense flows at Buckley Falls.