People will be free to swim at all parts of Blackmans Bay Beach from this week after the southern end was given a clean bill of health from the Tasmanian government.

The southern end of beach was given a ‘poor’ water quality rating in late 2018 which resulted in swimmers being told not to swim there.

“We could not be happier to announce that our water quality rating has been lifted and we can once again dive into the water with confidence,” said Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard over the last two years to monitor, investigate and rectify issues that have impacted the water quality.”

He indicated that over 50 different faults, leaks, breaks and cross connections were found, and repairing these contributed to resolving the problem.

“The (water quality) results have been very positive across the past year and that’s given us the confidence to approach the state government about lifting the rating,” he said. “In the past, it has taken decades for beaches to be made safe for swimming, so to achieve this in 18 months is something our whole Council is proud of.”

He thanked TasWater and the Derwent Estuary Program for their support and collaboration in improving the water quality at the beach.

“We also want to thank the Department of Health for taking the time to review the proposal while they continue to respond to the pandemic. We have valued their continued support and endorsement.”

TasWater CEO Mike Brewster said it was pleasing to see the water quality rating raised at Blackmans Bay Beach in time for the warmer months ahead.

“It shows how successful the collaboration between TasWater, Kingborough Council and other members of the Derwent Estuary Program continues to be,” he said.

“Most importantly, it’s a great result for the people who live around Blackmans Bay and for everyone who uses and enjoys the area.”

The Derwent Estuary Program’s chief executive Ursula Taylor expressed her delight at the improved water quality at the Beach.

“The collaborative effort between the DEP, Kingborough Council, TasWater, the EPA and the Dept of Health shows that by working together, great things can be achieved,” said Taylor. “We are delighted that so much has been done to improve water quality to allow for safe swimming at Blackmans Bay beach,” said Ms Taylor.

The work carried out by the Kingborough Council’s taskforce include a monitoring program, source tracking investigation, stormwater management improvements and joint investigations with TasWater, the DEP and the Environmental Protection Authority.

The DEP coordinates weekly water quality monitoring at Hobart beaches from 1 December until the 31 March with results published on the DEP website. The majority of beaches on the Derwent have been declared safe for swimming. Nevertheless, swimming in the Derwent estuary is not recommended for several days after heavy rain, and people should never swim in the vicinity of stormwater pipes or urban rivulets.