TranslateRecreational water quality
Natural recreational water bodies (lakes, rivers and oceans)
Local Tasmanian Councils and Tasmanian Government agencies are involved in ensuring waterways and oceans are safe for recreational use, such as swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing.
- Monitoring of the most popular water bodies takes place between December and March.
- Not all beaches and rivers are regularly monitored for water quality.
Recreational waters may be a risk to public health if the water has been contaminated.
Locations of natural recreational water bodies that are monitored by local councils can be viewed on this map. For more information, contact the relevant local council.
Follow the signs
Some recreational waters are not suitable for swimming. Be alert for warning signs. For more information, contact your local council.
Don't enter the water after heavy rain
Storm events and heavy rain may wash contaminants into waterways. As a precaution wait at least two days after the rain stops before swimming in recreational waters located in urban areas.
Don't swim near storm water outfalls at any time.
Aquatic facilities (public swimming and spa pools)
- Local councils monitor aquatic facilities on a monthly basis when the facilities are open.
- For more information, contact your local council.
Recreational water quality guidelines and reports
- Under the Public Health Act 1997, the Tasmanian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines 2007 require local councils to monitor the quality of popular natural recreational water bodies and aquatic facilities within their jurisdictions.
- The Director of Public Health releases a Recreational Water Quality Annual Report on the status of natural recreational water bodies and aquatic facilities.
