By Vanessa Chircop
HOBSONS Bay beaches had some of the highest levels of enterococci bacteria last summer – more than double the amount recorded in the previous summer in Altona and almost 10 times the amount recorded in Williamstown.
The enterococci bacteria are found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals.
Elevated levels of enterococci are a sign of possible faecal pollution – and last summer residents and visitors of Hobsons Bay may have been swimming in it.
According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Beach Report 2010-11 Altona beach had the third highest levels recorded and Williamstown the eleventh highest, out of the 36 beaches tested.
According to the report the number of beaches not meeting water quality standards was a direct result of a wetter than usual summer and increased stormwater run-off.
EPA spokesperson Simon Frost said Melbourne’s beaches are among the cleanest anywhere in the world.
“However following rain and storm events EPA recommends against swimming near stormwater drain, rivers, streams and other outlets into Port Phillip Bay during and 24 hours after rain,” he said.
But with Melbourne’s four seasons in one day, deciding when it safe to swim may prove confusing.
“Residents planning to use Williamstown or Altona beach this summer should visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport for daily forecasts on local beach water quality.”
Mr Frost said the EPA expects bacterial water quality at bay beaches to be generally good most days throughout the coming summer.
According to the report “bather shedding” (where no toilet facilities are available), leaks from toilet facilities and septic tanks, sewage/wastewater treatment plant discharges, sewage overflows, waste water reuse run-off, animal faeces, seagrass and boat sewage discharge are some of the other causes of faecal pollution.
With the Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a hot summer with median rainfall – the prediction has left many traders in Williamstown and Altona breathing a sigh of relief.
Sharon Walsh from the Altona Traders Association said traders were looking forward to the coming summer.
“It’s been a bit quiet the last couple of summers and we’ve had a long winter,” she said.
“We have one of the best beaches.
“Bring on summer.”
Ms Walsh said she wasn’t worried about Altona beach closing due to bacteria levels.
“People will still come down if the beach closes – and if it closes it’s a very short closure and people understand.”
Sash Boseovski from Nelson Place Traders Association said he was equally looking forward to summer.
“This November is the pre-summer period and everyone is hopeful it will be a great summer,” he said. “Last year’s weather was devastating for a lot of businesses – a lot were lucky to get through it.
“I’m hopeful things are looking a little better.”
