Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is urging beachgoers to check water quality forecasts, or sign up for SMS alerts, before hitting Port Phillip Bay's beaches in the coming days.
Today's forecast is poor water quality for all 36 Port Philip Bay beaches that EPA monitors across Greater Melbourne, Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula.
Heavy rain, such as that experienced overnight and into this morning, is often associated with poor water quality at beaches across Port Phillip Bay as it can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in the drains into waterways.
EPA advises against swimming at all waterways and beaches for up to 48 hours after heavy rain as there could be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels. EPA also advises people to prevent their pets from contacting water as well.
