Beach Report

Beach Report by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria keeps you informed of water quality at beaches around Port Phillip Bay.

Beach Report

Beach Report keeps you informed of recreational water quality through daily forecasts and water sampling so that you can make informed decisions about where to swim.

Recreational water quality is monitored at 36 Port Phillip Bay beaches with water samples collected at Beach Report sites every week during summer.  

The EPA also forecasts water quality at beaches around Port Phillip Bay based on the latest weather conditions, water quality history, recent bacterial sampling results and pollution reports.

View the current Water Quality Forecast and sign up to the SMS Alert Services at EPA Victoria Beach Report.  

What do the forecasts mean? 

  • Good predicts that recreational water quality is suitable for swimming
  • Fair means that recreational water quality is good but could be affected by rainfall particularly if the beach is close to a stormwater outlet
  • Poor is a warning which means you should avoid contact with the water.

General Advice

The EPA Victoria advises against swimming for up to 48 hours after heavy rain because during this period there may be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels.

Heavy rain and storms are the highest risk to the public when they follow extended periods of dry weather as the 'first flush' of the stormwater system carries most of the pollution that has built up in the drains into the bay.