Derwent Estuary Program results reveal mixed results for greater Hobart swimming spots water quality ratings

Eight spots around greater Hobart have seen a decline in water quality, with swimming now not advised at one particular eastern shore location. SEE THE MAP + LATEST >>>

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A POPULAR swimming site on Hobart’s eastern shore has had its water quality downgraded to ‘poor,’ with the council ramping up efforts to find the source of contamination.

The Derwent Estuary Program released its long-term water quality ratings for greater Hobart’s beaches and bays on Monday.

Water quality is tested at 42 beaches and bays between New Norfolk and Kingborough each week between December and March.

Recreational water quality sampling sites (swimming and environmental sites) with their current water quality classification based on data collected in the summer months between December 2016 and March 2021.

The latest results show quality has dropped at eight sites and improved at just one:

• Three beaches moved from ‘good’ to ‘fair’ including two Howrah Beach sites and Taroona.

• Howrah Beach mid has moved from ‘fair’ to ‘poor’

• Enteroccoci bacteria levels at some environmental sites including Watermans Dock, Elwick Bay, Geilston Bay and Regatta Point have also increased

• Windemere Beach in Glenorchy moved from ‘fair’ to ‘good’ for the first time in many years.

Water quality at Howrah Beach has dropped, with swimming in one section now not advisable.

DEP chief executive officer Ursula Taylor said the ratings were based on five years of data.

“Water samples are analysed for specific bacteria (enterococci) which indicate the presence of contaminants from stormwater run-off and other sources,” she said.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said the council was extremely concerned about the quality drop at Howrah and had been proactively looking into reasons for it for some time now.

“This has been on our radar for a few years and getting to the source of the contamination is a top priority for council,” he said.

“We have already taken steps to extend the funding for our Howrah stormwater investigation projects for an additional 12 months, allowing for a more intensive testing program of the nearby stormwater catchments.

“We know that part of the attraction of living in our city is the beautiful beaches on offer and we understand that this result will be disappointing for the community, we feel that way too.”

Swimming in that section of Howrah Beach is now not advised as the high levels of bacteria may pose a risk to health.

Frances Smith from TasWater, with Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman, Ursula Taylor from the Derwent Estuary Program at Howrah Beach.

Ald Chipman said signage would be installed as soon as possible to show which section of Howrah Beach was affected.

On the flip side, acting Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas said it was pleasing to see little known Windermere Beach was now swimmable.

“We’ve been working collaboratively with DEP to understand how the catchment contributes to water quality and are delighted that our community has access to a ‘good’ rated beach on their doorstep,” she said.