Recreational water quality
We regularly monitor water quality at 25 of our most popular swimming areas. Data collected over many years shows the water is safe for swimming at these swim sites, most of the time. We continue to monitor these sites so we can identify any potential health risks.
Water quality can sometimes be affected by microbial and other pollution, especially after heavy rainfall. Pollution from stormwater and sewage overflows can temporarily cause higher levels of contamination making the water quality unsuitable for swimming. This pollution usually lasts for a short period of time after heavy rain before it disperses, and the water is safe for swimming again.
During and following extreme wet weather and flooding events, pollution can impact swimming sites longer than usual. Even when water quality returns to normal, there may still be debris or other hazards, such as murky water, posing a risk to water users.
The latest water quality predictions and results
To help you make safer choices and decide where to go for a swim, click on the swimming locations on the map below to see real-time water quality predictions, alerts and the latest water quality monitoring results.
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Understanding our predictions
Pollution unlikely
Water quality is suitable for swimming. Enjoy your swim.
Pollution possible
Caution advised for swimming. Water quality is usually suitable for swimming, but young children, the elderly and those with health conditions may be at increased risk.
Pollution likely
Water quality is unsuitable for swimming.
Forecast unavailable
This site does not have daily forecast information. Check recent water quality testing results (if available) and look for signs of pollution before swimming.
Site closed
Site closure may be related to pollution incidents or sewage overflows potentially impacting on the site, or for other safety or maintenance reasons.
Water quality predictions are a guide, make sure you follow all of the advice on this page to protect your health when swimming. For other important information about safe swimming visit our Waterways safety page.
Why do we use water quality predictions?
Water quality testing can tell us if the water is safe for swimming. However, field sampling and laboratory analysis can take 24-48 hours between sampling and receiving the result.
To help overcome delays in reporting water quality we developed water quality predictions to provide real-time information. These predictions provide guidance on potential water quality, to help you decide when and where to swim.
How are water quality predictions determined?
We predict water quality and potential health risks based on analysis of monitoring result data, recent rainfall and any other reported pollution incidents that could affect water quality.
How frequently are predictions updated?
We update our water quality predictions every 4 hours to let you know if it is safe for swimming.
We predict pollution as ‘unlikely’, ‘possible’ or ‘likely’ based on recent rainfall and other information available.
Our predictions will be updated during the day if conditions change.
Understanding our monitoring results
The star ratings provide a guide to water quality and are based on National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.
| water quality rating |
advice |
Actual result* |
| Good
|
Bacterial levels are safe for swimming |
<40cfu |
| Fair
|
Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of illness to swimmers, particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly and young children |
41-200cfu |
| Poor
|
Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of illness to swimmers |
201-500cfu |
| Bad
|
Bacterial levels indicate a substantially increased risk of illness to swimmers |
>500cfu |
* colony forming units (cfu) of enterococci per 100 ml of sample.
The guidelines we use to assess water quality
Our monitoring aligns with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines, which aim to protect people from threats posed by the recreational use of coastal, estuarine and freshwater environments.
These guidelines help local governments manage recreational waterways as safely as possible and protect human health. They provide a framework to assess, manage and reduce the risks associated with recreational waterway use.
You can download these guidelines at (NHMRC).
Other tips for protecting your health
Heavy rainfall can impact the health of our waterways. Rainfall often collects pollutants from streets, gardens and farms, before it is flushed into our creeks, rivers and oceans via the stormwater system. Stormwater runoff can increase bacterial levels in the water and make it unsafe for swimming.
Follow these tips and always use your best judgement to decide if it’s safe to enter a waterway:
- Always avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain at open beaches
- Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes and estuaries for at least 3 days after heavy rain
- Don’t swim in water that looks discoloured, murky, or smells unpleasant
- Avoid swimming if you have an open wound or infection.
- Always follow advice on water quality
- For information about how to keep safe at our beautiful beaches, including patrolled hours, facilities and tower locations visit beach safety information.
For the latest information and advice regarding beach closures visit City alerts.
Questions about our water quality monitoring program
What do we monitor?
Enterococci are monitored by the City and across South East Queensland to indicate the level of microbes in waterways that could pose a risk to human health. Enterococci are present in high numbers in polluted waterways. Laboratory tests can detect their presence within 24-48 hours.
Enterococci is the recommended indicator for the detection of faecal contamination in waterways.
As well as monitoring for contamination in waterways, we also measure parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity.
Algae monitoring is also undertaken when blooms are detected. Visit the Lake Hugh Muntz page for more information about current algae monitoring at this location.
What are enterococci?
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. Enterococci are excreted in faeces and indicate if faecal matter and pollution is present in a waterway.
Enterococci do not generally cause illness but are associated with the presence of pathogens which do, such as:
- harmful bacteria
- viruses
- parasites.
Where are our monitored swim sites?
We monitor water quality at 25 popular swimming locations including open beaches, creeks, estuaries, enclosed lakes and swimming enclosures:
When do we monitor?
We complete routine monitoring on a rotating roster every 18 days and after heavy rainfall.
Where are water samples taken?
Our samples are taken from areas where people swim, including from between the flags, to ensure the samples are reflective of the areas where we are swimming.
Is our water quality testing accurate and reliable?
We have robust quality assurance over our water quality monitoring program to ensure that the data reported by us is accurate and reliable. Water samples are collected by officers who are trained in sampling techniques aimed at preventing accidental contamination during handling and sample collection. Our methods of collection, storage and transport of samples are audited regularly.
Where are water samples analysed?
To ensure that test results are reliable, our water samples are analysed at our Scientific Services laboratory which is accredited by NATA Australia. Our laboratory undertakes regular proficiency testing as part of this accreditation. Our samples are analysed using the Australian Standard endorsed method for enterococci (membrane filtration technique).
Contact us
For more information, refer to related information below or contact the Environmental Health Compliance team on 07 5667 5988.