Water quality warning issued for Geelong beaches amid La Nina summer weather

Summer plans could be put on hold as cooler forecasts and heavy rain stir up trouble in the region’s waterways.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is warning swimmers to watch out for potential pollutants across Port Phillip Bay in the wake of the La Nina weather alert.

Popular Port Phillip Bay swim spots including Eastern Beach, Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are among many that could be impacted by poor water quality this summer.

EPA water scientists Paul Leahy said beachgoers will need to check the quality before they dip their toes in.

“La Nina weather often brings heavy rain which washes unseen pollutants off our streets, into the drains and out into the bay and river systems,” he said.

“Run-off can often contain harmful microbes that can cause skin irritations, eye and ear infections, and even gastro illness especially for our kids, elderly and people with vulnerable immune systems.”

Each summer the EPA and Life Saving Victoria release daily forecasts ranking the water quality from good to poor.

Eastern Beach crowds on a hot day. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We want everyone to check before they dive in and stay safe from avoidable illnesses,” he said.

“That goes for pets too, dogs often get skin irritations that are harder to see under their fur.”

The wet weather is also expected to create ideal fishing and boating conditions along the Great Ocean Road and the Surf Coast according to Corangamite CMA estuaries and environmental water manager Jayden Woolley.

“An artificial opening that may not be supported by freshwater flowing into the estuary can result in all the fresh oxygenated water flowing out, meaning there is no oxygen left for fish and other aquatic species that live in the estuary,” he said.

“When estuaries open naturally through rainfall events, those negative effects are often reduced.”

Originally published as Water quality warning issued for Geelong beaches amid La Nina summer weather