Each Yarra site is considered representative of a section of river upstream, referred to as a reach. A representative site is based on several locations in the reach having similar historical microbial data and Sanitary Inspection Categories. Each reach extends from the sampling site upstream to the next site (for example Kew reach extends from Kew sampling site to Warrandyte sampling site). The stretch below Kew is not included as it is illegal to swim in the Yarra downstream of Abbotsford.
All 4 reaches on the Yarra met long-term microbial water quality standards for secondary contact recreation (for example rowing and boating) during the 5-year period of this analysis (2019 to 2024). For more detail on how long-term microbial water quality grades are calculated, view the methodology section.
For primary contact recreation, dry weather grades of Poor or Very Poor in the Yarra indicate an increased risk to swimmers. EPA has worked with Parks Victoria, Manningham and Yarra Ranges Councils, and the Department of Health to ensure there are signs at sites in these reaches to minimise this public health risk.
For information on the work EPA have been doing to better understand and manage microbial water quality see EPA publication: Long-term recreational water quality.
For primary contact recreation, no Yarra reach met standards, with all weather grades being Very Poor. Stormwater pollution is the most likely driver of poor microbial levels during and after rain. As a precaution, the EPA advises to avoid any contact with water for 24-48 hours following rainfall.
Data source: EPA
Warrandyte reach had a long-term microbial water quality grade of Poor during dry weather for the 2019-2024 reporting period. However it continues to be the reach on the Yarra that meets short-term microbial water quality objectives, making it suitable for swimming.
Kew was graded Poor, and Healesville and Launching Place reaches were graded Very Poor during dry weather. The Kew sanitary inspection suggests possible pollution sources such as stormwater drains. In the highly urbanised catchment, pollution may come from dry weather flows and stormwater flows after rain. Healesville and Launching Place sanitary inspections suggest farm animals as possible faecal sources. The Healesville sanitary inspection also shows some impact from human faecal matter, while Launching Place has many creeks upstream that may be contributing to the higher microbial levels, as the creeks could carry microbial pollution to the river after passing through agricultural areas.
Dry weather grades of Poor or Very Poor in the Yarra indicate an increased risk to swimmers. EPA has worked with Parks Victoria, Manningham and Yarra Ranges Council, and the Department of Health to ensure there are signs at sites in these reaches to minimise this public health risk. The advice for healthy swimming is:
- avoid swimming near stormwater drains
- avoid swimming for 48 hours after rain
- try not to swallow water during recreation
- cover cuts and scratches with waterproof bandages
- wash your skin with soap after touching the water and shower after swimming.
For information on the work EPA have been doing to better understand and manage microbial water quality see EPA publication: Long-term recreational water quality.
Data source: EPA
Page last updated: 30/10/25