Eastern Beach’s summer marred by ‘poor’ water quality, EPA reveals

Water quality at one of Geelong’s most popular beaches took a dive this summer. Find out why.

Christmas at the Geelong Waterfront. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Water quality at Eastern Beach suffered badly over summer due to flood water contamination and rotting vegetation, Victoria’s environmental watchdog has revealed.

The Environmental Protection Authority said heavy rain earlier in the summer affected quality at several bayside beaches.

Usually one of the state’s top performers, Eastern Beach’s water quality rated less than “good” on almost half of summer days.

“Eastern Beach’s poorer than normal performance was due to flood water contamination but most recently the poorer water quality was caused by seagrass decomposing in the area,” said EPA chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Taylor.

“We’re pleased to say that the situation has resolved itself and Eastern Beach’s normal high performance has returned.”

Prof Taylor said beaches in other parts of the region fared better.

“Most beaches were good to fair most of the time, especially on the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas,” he said.

Beaches at Queenscliff and along the Bellarine Peninsula were ranked among the state’s cleanest.

Santa Casa beach was dubbed Victoria’s best beach of the summer, reporting “good” water quality on all but three days of summer.

St Leonards recorded “good” quality on 74 days and Portarlington met the high standard on 71 days.

On the other side of the bay, Portsea, Mount Martha Surf Lifesaving Club and Safety Beach rated the best.

Stormwater pollution came after higher-than-normal rainfall between October and November, followed by heavy rain at different points throughout December.

Swimmers were urged to avoid the popular Geelong waterfront in late December.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid swimming in this area until further notice by EPA Victoria,” a post from City of Greater Geelong read at the time.

“We thank you for your co-operation.”

Victoria’s Environmental watchdog will continue its twice daily water advisories at 36 beaches throughout the state through autumn.

Originally published as Eastern Beach’s summer marred by ‘poor’ water quality, EPA reveals