Health alert lifted for most beaches in River Derwent after sewage spill
Health officials have revised the warning on swimming in the Derwent River after the recent sewage spill. But one beach is still off-limits, read more...
Tasmania
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A warning against swimming in the River Derwent due to contaminated water has been removed, with health authorities on Sunday night lifting the alert on all locations except for the western end of Bellerive Beach.
The warning against swimming had been in place since early Friday due to a sewage spill near Berriedale.
In a statement, Public Health said the earlier warning followed a process failure at a TasWater sewage treatment plant, which led to incompletely treated effluent entering the river.
Water samples collected by councils have shown that water quality at the following monitored beaches is now safe for recreational activities, including swimming.
These are Nutgrove Beach in Sandy Bay, Long Beach in Sandy Bay, Howrah Beach, Little Howrah Beach and Windermere Beach in Glenorchy.
However, testing identified a localised water quality issue at the western end of Bellerive Beach, which is now subject to further investigation.
Health advice remains to avoid swimming at this location until further notice.
Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, confirmed that water quality testing results indicate it is now safe to resume recreational activities in the river.
“I am pleased to confirm that the water in the River Derwent is safe levels for recreational activities at all locations except the western end of Bellerive Beach,” Dr Veitch said on Sunday.
“This is great news for the Tasmanian community as we head into warmer weather and the holiday season.”
While the test results give the all-clear on contamination from the treatment plant, Dr Veitch reminded the community of longstanding advice to wait at least two days after heavy rain before swimming at urban beaches, and to avoid swimming near stormwater drains.
Originally published as Health alert lifted for most beaches in River Derwent after sewage spill
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