ENVIRONMENT REPORT

BEACH REPORT 2008–09

Publication 1297 November 2009

SUMMARY The program aims to: • provide information to the public about beach EPA generally found good water quality at water quality Bay beaches over the 2008—09 Beach • identify short-term pollution problems Report season. The majority of results met short-term and summer season water quality guidelines and • look for long-term changes in water quality objectives for primary contact (in other words, • provide the data necessary to support beach water swimming, diving or surfing). This generally reflected quality forecasting. the mostly fine weather over summer. Stormwater The data collected assists EPA and local councils to run-off after rainfall and localised catchment sources effectively respond to pollution incidents when they (on fine days) affected beach quality on a small occur and identify areas for improved stormwater number of days. management. Beach Report also highlights actions the Long-term, beach water quality remains very good. wider community can take to protect bay beaches (for Historical results reinforce the pattern of rain further information go to temporarily causing poor water quality at bay beaches. www.epa.vic.gov.au/BeachReport). As a general precaution, EPA advises against swimming near stormwater drains, rivers, streams and other outlets into Port Phillip Bay during rainfall and for at least 24 hours afterwards. EPA provides information about beach water quality as part of the Beach Report program. We collected weekly water samples during summer in order to provide up-to-date information about beaches in Port Phillip Bay and to support beach water quality forecasting. Weekly water quality results and daily water quality forecasts are reported in major Photo 1: A busy day at the beach. newspapers and on the EPA website (www.epa.vic.gov.au/BeachReport). Since March 2008 EPA has conducted an expanded WHAT DO WE MONITOR? beach monitoring program including bacteria, heavy EPA monitors levels of enterococci (measured in metals, organic chemicals and algae. Further organisms/100 mL), a group of bacteria found in the information can be found in EPA publication 1279, intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals. Elevated Beach water quality monitoring program in Port Phillip levels of enterococci are a sign of possible faecal Bay — summary of results 2008–09. pollution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Health and Medical Research Council EPA’S BEACH REPORT PROGRAM (NHMRC) recognise these bacteria as the best indicator for primary-contact (i.e. swimming, diving or EPA’s Beach Report program provides information to surfing) recreational water quality in marine the community about forecast beach water quality. It environments1. is supported by a weekly monitoring of water quality.

Where monitoring identifies poor water quality, advice is provided to the community.

WHY DO WE MONITOR?

Beach Report provides the latest information on water quality so that beachgoers can make informed 1 Previous Beach Reports have also reported E. coli levels. With a sufficient decisions about visiting bay beaches. history of enterococci monitoring now available and the NHMRC Guidelines indicating that enterococci is a better indicator for primary recreation in marine waters, E. coli will no longer be reported.

1 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

Figure 1: Beaches sampled in the Beach Report program (LSC — Life saving club; CG — Coast Guard)

HOW DO WE ASSESS BEACH WATER contact recreation (75th percentile ≤150 enterococci/100 mL)3. QUALITY?

Short-term water quality is principally assessed FORECASTING BEACH WATER QUALITY against an investigation level and short-term human health level trigger. These trigger levels were derived EPA issues beach water quality forecasts every day from National Health and Medical Research Council during summer. The forecasts use recent sample (NHMRC) 2008 guidelines and from historical results, beach history and weather conditions to monitoring of beaches in Port Phillip Bay. assign a rating of Good, Fair, Poor or Unacceptable for each beach. EPA undertakes resampling if any results are over the investigation trigger value of 500 enterococci/100 mL. The forecast makes predictions based principally on An investigation is commenced if bacterial levels are weather patterns. The most important factor is over the investigation trigger during dry weather rainfall. When rain enters the stormwater system it (refer to ‘Site investigations’ section on page 4). EPA can wash pollutants into the nearest waterway and works closely with local councils during these onto the local beach. The forecasts cannot predict the investigations. effect of localised sources of contamination (such as a leak from a public toilet block) on water quality. EPA advises beach users against swimming if any site has two consecutive daily results over the investigation EPA is actively improving the accuracy of the trigger value, or any site has a single sample over the forecasts by updating the model on which the short-term human health level trigger (3500 predictions are based and continued surveying of enterococci/100 mL) that is not linked to rain2. EPA specific beaches. works with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and local government to communicate such advisories. 2 Water quality forecasts and general advice to beach users are used to Water quality for the whole 2008–09 summer season alert users to water quality impacts associated with rain. and long-term water quality are assessed against the 3 Previous Beach Reports have also provided an assessment against the State environment protection policy (Waters of SEPP (WoV) median objective for enterococci. The beach quality Victoria) 2003 [SEPP (WoV)] objective for primary measurements of greatest public concern are the high values. As the median has a tendency to not capture these high values, it has not been used in the 2008–09 Beach Report.

2 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

HOW WAS THE WATER QUALITY? • stormwater run-off after rain in December (refer to Figure 3) — weekly samples at Rosebud and EPA monitored 36 beaches across Port Phillip Bay (see Williamstown were associated with rain before Figure 1) from 24 November 2008 to the Labour Day sampling. weekend, 9 March 20094. Weekly samples were • localised catchment sources during dry weather — collected each Monday morning. During this period three weekly samples at Mornington and one each 540 water samples were collected. at Altona and Mentone. This summer, water quality at beaches around Port When elevated bacterial levels were found during dry Phillip Bay was generally good during fine weather. weather, EPA conducted a site inspection and Similar to previous years, higher bacterial levels were continued sampling until water quality returned to often associated with stormwater run-off after rain. In normal. The majority of follow-up samples reported addition, localised catchment sources also affected low bacterial levels the next day. Where necessary, water quality on some dry weather days. EPA provided general advice to beach users about beach water quality. The site inspections performed Short-term water quality this summer are described further on page 4. ‘Short-term water quality’ refers to the bacterial levels Historical mean on any given day or week. Figure 2 provides a 90 2008-2009 mean summary of the routine monitoring results from 80

2008–09 compared to the past four years. It shows 70 that the majority of beaches over the 2008–09 Beach 60 Report season had good water quality, with beaches 50 commonly having bacterial levels below the limit of 40 detection (<10 orgs/mL). The mostly fine weather over 30 this summer contributed to the good beach water (mm) rainfall Total 20 quality observed. 10 0 December January February March

2004-05 Figure 3. Monthly rainfall (average of five sites: 2005-06 Avalon, Cerberus, Laverton, Melbourne, Moorabbin) during the 2008—09 Beach Report season. 2006-07 Summer season water quality 2007-08 ‘Summer season water quality’ refers to the overall 2008-09 water quality over the summer at each beach rather than water quality on an individual day. It is a measure 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% of the prevailing water quality conditions across the Percent of routine samples summer period, as opposed to single events.

EPA assesses overall water quality for the summer season against the SEPP (WoV) 75th percentile Below detection limit <10 org/100 mL objective for primary contact recreation.. All beaches Below investigation trigger 10–500 org/100 mL (with the exception of Mornington Beach) met this objective during the 2008–09 summer (see Appendix Above investigation trigger >500 org/100 mL 2). Mornington beach was slightly above the objective due to some high bacterial results from mid January Figure 2: Summary of routine enterococci results to early February 2009 (see ‘Site investigations’ for the last five years. section on page 4). Long-term water quality Bacterial levels over the investigation level trigger (>500 orgs/100 mL) were detected on seven occasions Long-term trends are assessed by comparisons of (see highlighted results in Table 2, Appendix 1), and yearly 75th percentiles against the SEPP (WoV) 75th were associated with: percentile objective for primary contact recreation. Beach water quality over the last five years has been good, with the majority of beaches consistently meeting the SEPP (WoV) objective. There has been no change in beach water quality over this period (refer to Appendix 2). On the small number of occasions the 4 Since March 2008 EPA has conducted an expanded beach monitoring SEPP (WoV) objective was not met, high bacteria program including bacteria, heavy metals, organic chemicals and algae.

3 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

levels were largely due to stormwater run-off, with a term water quality investigation level trigger. All contribution on fine days from local catchment beaches (with the exception of Mornington beach) met sources. the SEPP (WoV) 75th percentile objective over the summer season. Site investigations Exceedances of guidelines could be attributed to the High bacterial levels during dry weather were found at impact of run-off after rain or, in the case of Altona, Mornington (three occasions), Altona (one occasion) Mornington and Mentone beaches, localised catchment and Mentone (one occasion) beaches (refer to table 2, sources during dry weather. Appendix 1). Water quality in 2008–09 was similar to long-term EPA advised beach users against swimming and trends, with most beaches continuing to have good initiated investigations into possible causes of the high water quality. Results from 2008–09 confirm that rain bacteria levels. This work included sanitary surveys can temporarily cause poor water quality at bay (investigation of potential sources of contamination) beaches. and inspection and sampling near stormwater drains. The causes of high bacterial levels during fine weather As a general precaution, EPA advises against can be difficult to ascertain, as sources can be swimming near stormwater drains, rivers, streams and unpredictable, short-lived and difficult to pinpoint. The other outlets into Port Phillip Bay during rainfall and findings from the investigations are detailed below. for at least 24 hours afterward. At Mornington beach, enterococci results in January and February exceeded the investigation level twice and the short-term human health level was triggered once in dry weather.

A stormwater drain approximately 50 m from the sampling site, nearby Tanti Creek and boating activity were identified as plausible causes of the high results, however the precise source could not be confirmed.

At Altona beach, enterococci levels exceeded the investigation level trigger on one occasion during dry weather in December 2008. Plausible causes of the high enterococci levels were Photo 2: Stormwater drains are common faeces from birds feeding on seaweed at the beach at many beaches in Port Phillip Bay. and remixing of left-over stormwater drain run-off (from rainfall two weeks prior).

Due to the time-lag between water quality events, sampling and receiving results, the precise cause of HOW CAN YOU PREVENT BEACH POLLUTION? the high enterococci levels could not be determined. Pollutants from our streets can enter stormwater drains and be Following the initial high result, resampling was transported to our waterways after rain, ending up at your local undertaken. The second high result was associated beach. To help protect bay beaches you can: with 1.8 mm of rain before sampling. At Mentone beach, enterococci levels exceeded the • put litter in a bin (including cigarette butts!) short-term human health level trigger on one occasion • report sewer spills and blockages during dry weather in February. The most plausible • pick up dog droppings and put in a bin cause was a blockage in the nearby public toilets. • regularly maintain septic tanks The investigations found that many factors may be • make sure that only rainwater goes down stormwater influencing water quality and often no single point drains! source can be positively identified as being the cause. EPA will continue sanitary surveys and working with local councils, other authorities and the community to further understand factors affecting beach water quality forecasts.

CONCLUSIONS

EPA found mostly good water quality at Port Phillip Bay beaches over the 2008–09 Beach Report season. Only a small number of samples were over the short-

4 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

EPA will maintain the Beach Report program in line with national and international standards. EPA will continue to work on improving the accuracy of the beach water quality forecasts by updating the model on which the predictions are based. EPA will keep working with the community, local councils, Department of Human Services (DHS), Melbourne Water and other relevant metropolitan and regional water authorities to assess and resolve local issues influencing beach water quality.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EPA wishes to thank the following organisations for their support of the 2008–09 Beach Report program: • Bayside City Council • City of Greater • City of Kingston • City of Port Phillip • Department of Human Services • Frankston City Council • City Council • Life Saving Victoria • Mornington Peninsula Shire Council • Shire of Queenscliff • Wyndham City Council • Melbourne Water.

FURTHER INFORMATION

EPA Information Centre 40 City Road, Southbank, Victoria 3006 GPO Box 4395Q, Melbourne, Victoria 3001 Telephone 03 9695 2700 Facsimile 03 9695 2710 www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport

5 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

APPENDIX 1: 2008–09 ENTEROCOCCI RESULTS

Table 1: Enterococci results (orgs/100 mL) from the Werribee, Geelong and Bellarine region in 2008–09

BEACH 24 Nov 08 1 Dec 08 8 Dec 08 15 Dec 08 22 Dec 08 29 Dec 08 5 Jan 09 12 Jan 09 19 Jan 09 27 Jan 09 02 Feb 09 09 Feb 09 16 Feb 09 23 Feb 09 2 Mar 09

Werribee South 20 10 <10 20 <10 <10 10 31 120 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 St Helens <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 Eastern <10 20 <10 20 98 <10 31 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 20 <10 <10 The Dell <10 74 <10 74 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 41 <10 <10 <10 10 Portarlington 20 <10 10 <10 20 10 10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 10 10 20 St Leonards 20 52 <10 <10 31 52 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 10 <10 20 <10 Queenscliff 51 10 <10 <10 <10 84 <10 <10 <10 41 20 41 <10 10 41

Rainfall (mm) (from 9 am to 9 am on the previous day)

Laverton 0.2 1.4 0 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 0 0 0.2 Avalon 0.2 2.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.4 0 0 0.4

Below detect: <10 org/100 mL 10–500 orgs/100 mL Investigation level: >500 orgs/100 mL

6 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

Table 2: Enterococci results (orgs/100 mL) from the Melbourne region and Mornington Peninsula in 2008—09

BEACH 24 Nov 1 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29 Dec 5 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 27 Jan 02 Feb 09 Feb 16 Feb 23 Feb 2 Mar

Portsea <10 <10 <10 <10 330 61 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 20 <10

Sorrento 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 52 <10

Blairgowrie <10 31 <10 10 10 <10 <10 <10 10 10 10 <10 20 <10 31

Rye 31 440 10 63 20 63 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 52 20 20

Rosebud 20 590 <10 98 30 74 <10 63 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Dromana <10 97 <10 20 10 <10 20 <10 31 <10 <10 10 10 52 <10

Safety Beach 10 120 <10 10 <10 86 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 120 10 <10 <10

Mt Martha 20 110 <10 <10 20 41 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Mornington <10 200 <10 110 20 41 <10 98 3,100 >24,000 660 52 31 10 10

Canadian Bay 10 310 <10 10 20 170 <10 <10 10 20 52 <10 20 20 <10

Frankston CG 10 98 <10 20 63 10 20 <10 <10 10 <10 20 10 20 <10

Frankston LSC 20 130 <10 260 <10 230 <10 31 <10 <10 20 280 20 10 41

Seaford <10 120 <10 140 10 31 <10 52 <10 <10 10 98 10 <10 30

Carrum 20 41 <10 98 <10 180 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 63 <10 <10 20

Aspendale North 73 63 <10 490 63 200 31 20 41 <10 <10 31 <10 <10 <10

Mordialloc 110 120 10 320 10 85 10 <10 <10 <10 20 <10 <10 <10 <10

Mentone 430 10 20 280 30 240 <10 <10 <10 10 5,500 52 <10 41 51

Beaumaris 10 10 10 41 10 20 <10 97 <10 <10 20 <10 <10 52 41

Half Moon Bay 31 10 <10 10 20 10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10

Sandringham 20 31 <10 30 <10 52 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Hampton <10 31 <10 <10 <10 20 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Brighton <10 20 <10 10 10 10 <10 10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Elwood 63 340 10 63 <10 130 10 <10 <10 <10 20 160 <10 <10 41

BEACH REPORT 2008–09

BEACH 24 Nov 1 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29 Dec 5 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 27 Jan 02 Feb 09 Feb 16 Feb 23 Feb 2 Mar

St Kilda 74 20 20 63 10 20 <10 <10 20 <10 10 63 <10 <10 10

Middle Park 74 86 <10 230 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 41 <10 <10 <10

Port Melbourne 120 <10 <10 270 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 10 <10 10

Sandridge 130 <10 <10 98 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Williamstown 20 <10 10 640* 10 20 <10 <10 <10 <10 20 41 <10 <10 <10

Altona 30 20 63 20 120 540 10 20 20 490 10 10 <10 20 <10

* 58.8 mm of rain recorded at Melbourne weather station in 3 days before sampling. Rainfall (mm) (from 9 am to 9 am on the previous day)

Cerberus 0.2 4.6 0.2 0 0 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 4.4 0 0 0.4

Moorabbin 0 1.4 0 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 0 0 0

Melbourne 0 1.4 0 0.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.6 0 0 0

8 BEACH REPORT 2008–09

APPENDIX 2: SEPP (WOV) OBJECTIVE ATTAINMENT Table 3: Enterococci (orgs/100 mL) 75th percentiles (calculated from routine sampling across the summer period). These values have been recalculated from the previous reports, to ensure a consistent method of calculation for the 75th percentile across all reporting years. Shaded cells indicate that the objective of 150 org/100 mL was not attained.

75th percentile (SEPP (WoV) objective150 org/100 mL) Beach 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Portsea 18 31 30 10 10 Sorrento 41 10 <10 25 <10 Blairgowrie 34 10 15 10 10 Rye 148 50 58 41 42 Rosebud 54 28 10 26 47 Dromana 64 10 10 15 20 Safety Beach 30 <10 <10 <10 10 Mt Martha 47 20 25 10 15 Mornington 36 36 10 47 155 Canadian Bay <10 <10 26 10 20 Frankston CG 23 18 25 31 20 Frankston LSC 87 <10 20 20 86 Seaford 13 <10 10 15 42 Carrum 72 33 41 15 31 Aspendale North 41 10 20 26 63 Mordialloc 25 10 20 10 53 Mentone 57 33 68 20 146 Beaumaris 69 <10 20 15 31 Half Moon Bay 20 17 20 10 10 Sandringham <10 10 15 15 15 Hampton 10 <10 36 <10 <10 Brighton 13 <10 10 <10 10 Elwood 133 31 63 30 63 St Kilda 217 75 91 52 20 Middle Park 49 41 15 20 26 Port Melbourne 94 10 42 21 10 Sandridge 61 18 41 20 <10 Williamstown 80 18 31 20 20 Altona 242 49 135 75 47 Werribee South 64 10 20 31 15 St Helens 44 28 103 68 <10 Eastern 55 36 96 10 20 The Dell Not monitored 44 10 10 Portarlington 49 10 36 20 10 St Leonards 13 <10 36 10 20 Queenscliff 110 41 47 25 41

9