Nutgrove beach (West) re-opens to swimmers

Recent water quality ratings under the Derwent Estuary Program has shown this popular Hobart beach has improved, going from “poor” to “fair”.

People walking along Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE west end of Nutgrove Beach is open to swimmers again after the water quality was declared “fair” under the Derwent Estuary Program.

Water quality was tested at 35 beaches and bays between New Norfolk and Kingborough each week between December and March.

Analysis of the 2018/19 water quality ratings showed:

NUTGROVE Beach (West) has improved, going from “poor” to “fair”;

THERE are no new “poor” rated beaches;

WATERMANS Dock moved from “poor” to “good”;

THREE beaches moved from “good” to “fair” including Howrah, Nutgrove East and Blackmans Bay mid;

BLACKMANS BAY south remains “poor” and;

ENTERCOCCI levels at some environmental sites including Marieville Esplanade, Browns River and Hobart Rivulet have increased.

During the 2018/19 season, an unusually high number of samples returned large entercocci counts, which indicates the presence of contaminants from stormwater run-off and other sources.

WATER QUALITY TESTS RAISES CONCERN ON DERWENT’S HEALTH

Warning sign not to swim at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the improved result at Nutgrove Beach came about through the co-operation of staff at the Hobart City Council and TasWater.

“We’ve been working collaboratively for two years to identify the sources of stormwater contamination in the Lipscombe Rivulet,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Engineers and Environmental Health Officers at the council have used modelling and dyes to locate and rectify contamination sources and this has led to improved water quality at Nutgrove Beach West.

“As a result of these improvements, we are delighted to announce that our beach is now safe for swimming.”

TasWater CEO Mike Brewster agreed the collaborative approach to managing stormwater was worthwhile.

“TasWater used the information from council staff and our own CCTV investigations and fixed ageing sewer pipes and incorrectly connected infrastructure at residential sites,’ Mr Brewster said.

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Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said the council had made significant progress in its intensive investigations at Blackmans Bay and Kingston beaches. “The work we have done with TasWater has seen a number of trials and issues rectified, but we have more to do,” Cr Winter said.

The Beach Watch program is co-ordinated by the Derwent Estuary Program with support from the Health Department, EPA Tasmania and the six councils that border on the Derwent.

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