13 July 2010
Precautionary advice for swimming at Nightcliff and Mindil Beaches has again been issued today following the detection of high counts of E.coli and enterococci bacteria in routine sea water sampling results.These beaches will be closed to swimming and fishing until further notice.
It is believed unseasonal rainfall late last week has adversely impacted water quality in the vicinity of some stormwater outlets. Sampling of stormwater outlets that are still flowing will be conducted in the affected areas.
Signs notifying the public of the closures have been erected at the affected beaches.
Water quality at Casuarina, East Point, Vesteys and Little Mindil beaches is excellent. However, as a precaution all beaches will be sampled again tomorrow.
The Department of Health and Families is continuing to monitor sea water quality around the city's beaches. Daily monitoring will continue and the public will be kept informed of any changes to the situation.
Anyone who has concerns can contact DHF Environmental Health hotline during business hours on toll free 1800 095 646 or mobile 0401 116 460.
Results of water sampling will be uploaded to the DHF website tomorrow, along with Northern Territory Recreational Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines.
Media inquiries: Dale Webster 0401 116 203
