A new water quality information service is being trialed by the Victorian EPA and Life Saving Victoria that will deliver new water quality forecasting at four bayside beaches over the next four years.

State Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announced the trial today as part of the State Government’s $1 billion Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay Action Plan.

“In a first for the Beach Report, visitors to Altona, St Kilda, Mordialloc and Frankston beaches will now be able to view up-to-date localised water quality information,” Mr Smith said.

As part of the trial beachgoers will be asked to give feedback on the new information signs, level of satisfaction with the Beach Report and understanding of water quality information.

Feedback from beachgoers will be gathered at the four trial beaches as well as two control locations, at Elwood and Mentone beach.

The trial will also provide local lifeguards with remote internet access to allow them to receive regular updates, general water quality information sheets and a detailed explanation of factors affecting water quality for their use at each of the participating beaches.