Find out about water quality and water quality testing for drinking water, rainwater tanks, public swimming pools and natural recreational waterways.
Drinking water sampling
There are numerous properties throughout the Shire that are not connected to scheme water and rely on rainwater or bore water. The Shire’s Environmental Health Officers regularly sample non-scheme drinking water at premises where food is provided to the public.
Environmental Health Officers can sample private water supplies for a fee (refer to Schedule of Fees and Charges). Water samples are sent to a laboratory for bacterial analysis with results usually available within a week. If you are interested in a more thorough analysis of a water source, you will need to contact a private laboratory or environmental consultant to arrange the testing.
Please complete and submit the form below to request private water sampling.
The results of water sampling are compared with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The WA Department of Health website provides useful information on water tanks on your property, including how to manage water quality and maintain your rainwater tank.
Please direct any questions regarding scheme water supplies to Water Corporation.
Rainwater tanks after a bushfire
Water in rainwater tanks can be contaminated during or after a bushfire, either indirectly by ash, smoke, debris or directly by fire and fire fighting activities.
The Department of Health provides useful information on rainwater tank contamination.
Public swimming pools
The Environmental Health Unit routinely monitors and samples all public swimming pools and spas within the Shire.
Pool sampling takes place every month to ensure compliance with the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 and the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, Management and Maintenance of Aquatic Facilities. Public pools are also routinely inspected to ensure facilities remain compliant with the legal requirements.
All public pools are required to be approved by the WA Department of Health prior to construction and opening.
Natural recreational waterways
The Shire, in partnership with the WA Department of Health, monitors and samples water from popular recreational waterways to test the bacterial water quality during the summer months.
The sites that are sampled regularly, between November and May are:
- Hardy Inlet
- Gnarabup Beach
- Gracetown Beach
- Flinders Bay
- Three separate sites along the Margaret River.
Tips for healthy swimming in the region’s natural waterways
Natural waters can be rivers, estuary, oceans, lakes or reservoirs. It is important to be aware of the health risks of swimming in these waters over the summer period as they can be polluted with bacteria or algae.
Follow the tips below to minimise the risks:
More information and contact
Report any issues via the Report It/Request It form.