Recreational water

Long beach on a sunny day in Hobart

Water for swimming is required to be tested to make sure it is safe for public use.

This includes water in swimming pools, spa pools, and swimming beaches.

Public swimming pools and spa pools

Public swimming pools and spa pools are regulated under the Recreational Water Quality Guidelines.

These guidelines require owners to:

  • maintain a logbook that records the water quality information and the number of people using the pool each day
  • maintain records of microbiological water sample results
  • take water samples each month and submit them to the Public Health Laboratory for testing.

Beaches

The water at our swimming beaches is regularly tested over the summer period.

Testing shows that most of our recognised beaches are suitable for swimming. These include Long Beach and Nutgrove East and West.

Beaches at Cornelian Bay and Marieville Esplanade are not recommended for swimming. There are permanent signs at these beaches with this advice.

In conjunction with the Derwent Estuary Program, water quality in Cornelian Bay will be monitored during the 2025-26 recreational water sampling summer program from December to March. Results will be available to the community on the Derwent Estuary Program website. The results will be reviewed at the conclusion of the program with findings expected to guide the focus of any further investigative effort in relation to swimming sites, in alignment with the developing Cornelian Bay Masterplan. The Council has also resolved that a study as to the condition of the sand and any possible contaminants that are below the existing layer of sand be undertaken.

All swimmable beaches should be avoided after heavy rainfall.

For the latest water quality results visit the Derwent Estuary Program website.

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