Shire to install acidic river signs in Anglesea

THE Surf Coast Shire Council (SCSC) will install signs at known swimming spots on the Anglesea River warning of high acidity in the estuary.

The signs will say: “Due to the acidic water in the Anglesea River, we advise that bathing may cause irritation to skin and eyes in some individuals. The water is being monitored regularly.”

“The public health risk remains low for people using the river and we agree that it is important to be clear about this,” shire general manager of community life Chris Pike said.

The river has experienced several acid events over recent decades, but none on record lasting as long as the past two years, where pH levels and traces of metals have rendered it largely uninhabitable for most aquatic life.

During previous acid events the shire and the Environment Protection Authority both used to install signs warning of high acidity, but until now no signs have appeared.

“The advice is based on a public health study about the Anglesea River undertaken by environmental experts, engaged by Council and funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP),” Mr Pike said of the 2019 report.

It found “that the low pH water within the estuary has the potential to cause skin and eye pain/irritation in some individuals who come into contact with the water but these effects are expected to be short-term and those affected will recover fully.

“There is currently no agreed long-term solution for the health of the river. We are aware DELWP and the CCMA (Corangamite Catchment Management Authority) continue to investigate options for the future and along with the community we will continue help them as best we can,” he said.