We sample recreational water quality at popular beaches during the summer swimming season, under the Recreational Water Quality Guidelines made under the Public Health Act 1997.

How sampling works

The Recreational Water Quality Guidelines 2007 (Public Health Act 1997) set the base limit for microbiological standards for investigation at greater than 140 enterococci per 100 ml. If a sample exceeds this, we resample within 48 hours of receiving the result and carry out a sanitary inspection.

If two consecutive samples exceed 280 per 100 ml at a primary contact water body, the public is advised and we resample again within 48 hours. Any decision to remove an advisory sign is made in conjunction with the Director of Public Health.

All commonly used recreational sites in our municipality currently comply with the microbiological guideline of a median value of not more than 140 colony-forming units per 100 ml of Enterococci.

Sites we sample

• Muirs Beach, Coles Bay (Boat Ramp)
• Richardsons Beach, Coles Bay (100 m east of Rangers Creek Carpark pedestrian entrance)
• Waubs Beach, Bicheno (adjacent to Jetty Road Carpark pedestrian entrance)
• Redbill Beach, Bicheno
• Denison Beach (north and south carparks), Bicheno
• Jubilee Beach, Swansea (Jetty Road Boat Ramp)
• Schouten Beach, Swansea (25 m north-east of Saltwater Creek opening)
• Raspins Beach, Orford (adjacent to Sailing Club)
• East Shelly Beach, Orford (Jetty Road Beach Access)
• Spring Beach, Orford (adjacent to Main Carpark)