Beach Watch update

Blackmans Bay Beach. Photo: Derwent Estuary Program.

Blackmans Bay Beach.

Image: Derwent Estuary Program

The 2026 long-term water quality ratings for greater Hobart’s beaches and bays have shared the results of testing 38 beaches and bays each week between New Norfolk and Kingborough.

This testing has analysed samples for enterococci bacteria, which indicate the presence of faecal contaminants from stormwater run-off and other sources. Each of the sites is classified as having Good, Fair or Poor water quality in accordance with state and national guidelines.

This season saw positive changes to long-term ratings, but also some results that indicate there is more work to do in managing water quality:

  • Blackmans Bay north – Fair to Good
  • Blackmans Bay mid – Fair to Poor
  • Windermere Beach – Good to Fair
  • Bellerive Beach west – Good to Fair
  • Little Howrah Beach – Good to Fair

For residents of Hobart, testing showed that of the 19 swimming sites monitored, 16 are suitable for swimming.

Water quality at Blackmans Bay Beach is still variable, highlighting the challenging and long-term nature of managing pollution reaching our beaches. Kingborough Council has issued a no-swim advisory for the middle section of Blackmans Bay Beach. While water quality in the southern half of Blackmans Bay Beach is often suitable for swimming, the beach grading system requires a section to be downgraded once five poor results are recorded within a five-year period.

Identifying exactly where contamination enters the system at Blackmans Bay is complicated by the scale of the catchment and the thousands of properties connected to it. At Blackmans Bay Beach there are four stormwater outfalls, three of which are located at the southern end of the beach where the issue persists.

Complicating the issue further, the shape of the bay means water is not flushing out as quickly as many other beaches in the Derwent, allowing contaminants to remain near the southern shoreline in the shallow water for longer.

While unfortunately there are no quick or simple solutions to improve the water quality at the beach, the DEP remains committed to working with Council and TasWater to pursue practical improvements and improve water quality over time.

Read more information about Beach Watch including the final report.

Tuesday 28 July 2026