Water based recreational activities are very popular in Tasmania. Recreational waters may be a risk to public health if the water has been contaminated and people have direct contact with the water. Water contaminated with faeces may expose swimmers to a range of infectious gastrointestinal diseases. Some recreational waters are not suitable for primary contact, such as swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing. For further information you should contact the local Council where the water body is located.
Storm events and heavy rain will affect recreational water quality from time to time. This is mainly due to contaminants on the land and roads being washed into the water with the heavy rainfall. As a precautionary measure people should therefore wait at least five days after the rain stops before swimming in recreational waters located in urban areas where pollution events may occur. Swimming near storm water outfalls should always be avoided.
Follow the links below for more information about Tasmania's recreational water quality,
Swimming Pools and Spa Pools
Swimming pools and spa pools provide another popular recreational water resource. While they are an enjoyable form of recreation, swimming pools and spa pools must be properly maintained and adequately disinfected to ensure that bathers are not subjected to health risks. Poorly managed swimming pools and spas can result in skin, eye, ear, respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections. In Tasmania, operators of public swimming pools and spa pools are required to comply with the Guidelines for Places of Assembly.
Tamar Estuary Fish & Sediments Study
First year report - August 2000
Final Report - March 2002