EPA tells Geelong residents to steer clear of contaminated Barwon River

Geelong residents have been warned against coming into contact with a contaminated Barwon River following recent flooding.

Geelong residents have been warned against coming into contact with the Barwon River following recent flooding. Picture: Brad Fleet

Swimmers have been warned against jumping into the Barwon River and its nearby beaches over the weekend, with new tests showing the water is still contaminated following the recent floods.

The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria has issued a caution to Geelong residents against coming into contact with the river, including canoeing, boating and fishing.

Testing found the high water volumes are still leading to “significantly more” foam and discolouration.

“This is due to naturally occurring organic matter. The intense flows at Buckley Falls in Geelong are the likely source of the foaming,” EPA water scientist Darren Cottam said.

16-11-2022 Flood waters start to recede after the Barwon River broke its banks again. View from John M Macintyre walk bridge, Newtown. Picture: Brad Fleet

“For the moment our advice is to avoid contact with the water, and that includes the surf beaches adjacent to the Barwon River mouth.

“And don’t consume any fish taken from the Barwon.”

EPA advised some health issues from coming into contact with the river could include gastro, skin rashes and eye irritation.

With isolated showers and thunderstorms expected over parts of southern Victoria this weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood warning for the Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool Rivers.

Rainfall totals of 10-20mm are forecasted for Saturday and 15-22mm on Sunday across the river watch areas.

“We will continue our monitoring program and report on the water quality as results become available,” Mr Cottam said.

Originally published as EPA tells Geelong residents to steer clear of contaminated Barwon River