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Water Quality

For more information

Contact Barwon Coast at the following

(03) 5254 1118

[email protected]

Related Links

EPA Water Quality Alerts & Reports
EPA Water Quality Alerts
EPA Port Phillip Bay Beach Report
EPA Flood Impacted Rivers Report
EPA Heavy Rainfall Impacts

Barwon Coast undertakes water quality testing only in response to environmental incidents such as:

  • Blue-green algae blooms
  • Sewage leaks
  • Oil spills
  • Other events that may impact water quality

When water conditions affect boating, fishing, or recreation in the Port of Barwon Heads, alerts will be posted here and on the Barwon Coast Facebook page.

Working Together to Protect Waterways

In the event of compromised water quality, Barwon Coast works closely with:
Barwon Water

  • Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
  • Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
  • Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
  • Emergency services

If you have concerns about local water quality, further resources are available on the EPA Victoria website.

What is Blue-Green Algae?

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a common seasonal occurrence in Victoria and a natural component of most aquatic systems, including streams, lakes, estuaries and the sea. 

Individual cells are very small and are normally not visible in a water body, but numbers can increase rapidly and blooms, or scums, become easily visible across the water surface.

Blooms can be triggered by nutrient levels, low inflows, lower storage volumes and warmer weather conditions. Blooms can be unsightly, ranging in colour from dark-green to yellowish-brown. They develop a paint-like consistency as they dry out and often have a pungent smell.

Why you (or your pets) shouldn’t swim or fish in Blue Green Algea affected waters

Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes ears and nose or if swallowed gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting.

People who come in to contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water. Seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact with BGA affected water.

Pet owners should prevent pets from drinking or having direct contact with contaminated water. Blue-green algae can be toxic to pets. Call your vet immediately if you suspect poisoning.

Irrigators are encouraged to take extra care to avoid spray drift, the pooling of water and inhaling mist from blue-green alsae affected water. Affected water should not be sprayed onto leafy vegetables or, florets or allowed to flood pastures.