Water quality monitoring 2002 to 2003

The results of the Marine Water Quality Sampling Program for 2002/03 have been analysed by the Department of Health, which has found them to be acceptable.

During 2002/2003 there were 23 sampling events which provided a total of 241 samples.

Six samples collected in April and May 2003 from bay waters provided high levels of Enterococci. These samples were taken a few days after rain and storm events. The most likely explanation for non-compliance for these samples is that the heavy rainfall may have added to the bacterial loading of marine waters sampled, due to storm water run off from the terrestrial environment. This would be considered to be a natural occurrence. Other days of non-compliance occurred in December, January, and April (Easter). These are periods of high water-based activity.

Summary of Marine Water Quality Sampling Program 2002/2003

Samples are taken from each location fortnightly in summer and monthly in winter. These locations are listed below. The numbers in brackets indicate the number of samples taken that exceed ANZECC Guidelines for primary contact. These samples indicate spikes that have occurred during the sampling period but overall, the water quality is considered acceptable by the Department of Health.

Parker Point (4)
Army Jetty - Thomson Bay (1)
Vlamingh Way - Thomson Bay (2)*
Hotel Jetty - Thomson Bay (3)
Fuel Jetty - Thomson Bay (1)
Stark Jetty - Thomson Bay North (4)
The Basin (2)
Longreach Bay East (0)
Longreach Bay West (0)*
Geordie Bay (3)
Little Parakeet Bay (0)

(* Commenced December 2002)

Proportion of samples that met ANZECC guidelines

ANZECC Guidelines

150 CFU/100mL Thermotolerant coliforms being the maximum number allowed for any one sample occasion.

35 MPN/100mL Enterococci being the maximum number allowed for any one sampling occasion.