Residents along the Barwon River are being warned to avoid all contact with the water as testing conducted by Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has revealed very high levels of contamination.
Water Scientist at EPA, Darren Cottam said enterococci contamination in particular was very high in the Barwon River in Geelong.
“Water quality results from Barwon Heads shows water is not suitable for swimming, and EPA recommends against all contact (boating, canoeing) with discoloured waters due to flooding, and to take a common sense approach to swimming at nearby surf beaches,” Mr Cottam said.
“For the moment our advice is to avoid contact with the water, and that includes the surf beaches adjacent to the Barwon River mouth,” he said.
“And don’t consume any fish taken from the Barwon.”
Mr Cottam said some of the health issues included possible gastro, skin rashes and eye irritation.
He said anyone experiencing swim-related illness should seek advice from their doctor.
“We’re also seeing significantly more foam in the Barwon River in the Geelong area,” the Water Scientist said
“This is due to naturally occurring organic matter,” he said.
“The intense flows at Buckley Falls in Geelong are the likely source of the foaming.”
Mr Cottam said EPA would continue its monitoring program and report on the water quality as results became available.
