New Signs Advise on Water Quality at Derwent Beaches
Source: Tasmania. Media Release.
"New signs are being installed at beaches and foreshore parks on the Derwent estuary to inform the public about water quality. The Director of the Derwent Estuary Program, Christine Coughanowr, said the water quality signage lets visitors make an informed decision about where and when to swim. “The water quality information is based on water monitoring over the past five years. Each week over summer Derwent Estuary Program partners regularly sample 38 sites along the Derwent estuary,” Ms Coughanowr said. “Water samples are analysed for specific bacteria which indicate the presence of contaminants such as sewage and storm water run-off. “The signs will show whether the long-term water quality is good, fair or poor. If water quality is found to be poor at a monitored site, the signs can be changed to advise the public not to swim until samples show improvement,” Ms Coughanowr said."