Media release – Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, 19 December 2024
Swimmers advised to avoid swimming in Derwent due to sewage leak
A sewage treatment plant in the Hobart area has failed resulting in sewage entering the River Derwent near Berridale.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and TasWater are managing the incident.
Public Health advice is for the public to avoid activities in the River Derwent that involve full immersion in water, such as swimming. The advice applies to the river between Austins Ferry and Old Beach in the north to Sandy Bay across to Howrah in the south.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch has urged Tasmanians to not put themselves at risk and to avoid unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated waters.
“Sewage in water used for recreational activities like swimming poses a risk to health from viruses and bacteria.
“These risks can include gastroenteritis (diarrhoea or vomiting) and infections of the skin, ears or eyes.”
This advice is deliberately cautious and will apply until further water testing is completed to confirm the safety of swimming sites. Public Health Services will then issue further updates on this matter.
People with health concerns should seek advice from their local health professional such as their general practitioner or community pharmacist.
