Precautionary advice against swimming at the Chapman Rd end of Nightcliff Beach (also known as Rapid Creek Beach) has been issued today after routine beach water sampling showed increased levels of E.coli and enterococci bacteria.
All other beaches sampled as part of the Monitoring Program returned good quality water sample results and these beaches remain open.
"The major role of the Department of Health is to safeguard public health and safety by closing the beach based on the results received," said Karen Beirne, Senior Policy Officer Environmental Health.
Signs notifying the public of the precautionary advice against swimming have been erected at beach access points of the affected beach.
Further sampling was undertaken today by the Department of Natural Resources,Environment, The Arts and Sport, and results will be available next week.
The status of Darwin beaches can be viewed on the DoH website at:
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/Beach_Water_Quality/index.aspx
Latest test results are also available on this site.
Anyone who has concerns about beach water quality can contact the DoH Environmental Health hotline during business hours on toll free 1800 095 646.
Media inquiries: Michelle Foster 0459 166 801.
Release date: 24 May 2011
