Beachgoers in metropolitan Adelaide are being encouraged to register for Beach Alerts ahead of the summer months.
Adelaide’s beaches are considered safe and healthy for the majority of the time, however discolouration of these waters may occur after heavy rain activity.
The majority of all metropolitan stormwater flows to the sea through the stormwater system, as well as river and drainage channels, making some metropolitan beaches unsuitable for swimming for several days.
It is advised that swimming at beaches during these times should be avoided as discoloured water can reduce visibility and cause mild illness.
The EPA sources real-time stormwater flow data from Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges to informs beachgoers when stormwater is being discharged into the marine waters near the metropolitan beaches, or when there has been a managed flow.
When either of the measurements exceed certain levels, the EPA is notified as there is a possibility that beach water quality could be impacted.
Beachgoers are also encouraged to look for signs at the beach near the local surf life-saving club to help identify areas where the water may be discoloured.
Beaches that are monitored along Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline span from Semaphore in the north to Noarlunga in the south.
Subscribe to the Beach Alert service