Cleanest Geelong beaches for water quality revealed
A hidden gem of a beach on the Bellarine Peninsula has topped the rankings as one of the cleanest beaches for water quality across the region.
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A LITTLE-KNOWN beach on the Bellarine Peninsula has topped the rankings as one of the cleanest beaches across the region for the start of summer.
Santa Casa, located near Queenscliff, scored a “good” water quality forecast 28 out of 31 days in December from the Environment Protection Authority – the equal-highest ranking in the region.
Geelong’s Eastern Beach also landed a “good” forecast for 28 days last month, followed closely behind St Leonards which had 27 “good” forecasts, and The Dell which had 22.
Meanwhile, Portarlington drew a “fair” water quality forecast 25 out of 31 days, and only a “good” forecast three days.
All five beaches, which are tracked twice-daily by the EPA, received at least two “poor” water quality ranking’s for a morning forecast.
A “good” forecast equates to suitable swimming conditions, a “fair” means beaches may not be suitable for swimming, while a “poor” forecast advises against swimming.
The EPA monitors 36 beaches across Greater Melbourne, Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula across the summer period.
It encouraged beachgoers to check water quality before hitting the coast.
“EPA advises against swimming at all waterways and beaches for up to 48 hours after heavy rain as there could be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels,” it said.
“EPA also advises people to prevent their pets from contacting water as well.”
The forecasts, which run until March 8, are based on rain, water quality history, sunlight, weekly sampling, and pollution reports.
Water quality information is also displayed on signs at life saving clubs or where there are lifeguard patrols around the bay.
For more information visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report.
DECEMBER’S BEACH WATER QUALITY SCORES
Eastern Beach – Good; 28 days. Fair; 1 day. Poor; 2 days
The Dell – Good; 22 days. Fair; 6 days. Poor; 3 days
Portarlington – Good; 3 days. Fair; 25 days. Poor; 3 days
St Leonards – Good; 27 days. Fair; 2 days. Poor; 2 days
Santa Casa – Good; 28 days. Fair; 1 day. Poor; 2 days
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