Monitoring Coastal Water Quality for Safe Swimming in and around Port Vila.

Data Base

December 04, 2024

Port Vila Bay
****
First Lagoon
***
Second Lagoon
****

These results are an average over several collection points by main area. Please see the detailed results for more precision.

What we do?

Every week we collect samples to monitor the Coastal Water Quality at different places around Port Vila.
We carry out analyzes and share the results publicly and for free

What do we test for and why?

We test water samples for a bacteria called enterococci. Enterococci is found in the intestines of warm blooded animals and excreted in faeces and rarely present in unpolluted waters. The bacteria is found in very high numbers in raw sewage which makes it a good indicator of sewage pollution.

Studies have shown a strong relationship between elevated levels of enterococci and illness rates in swimmers. It’s important to note that enterococci doesn’t cause illness, but its presence means there’s sewage in the water and, therefore, possibly pathogens, which do cause illness.

What is the difference between Results, Database and Forecast?

The Results are the interpretations of the analyzes carried out each week. They allow you to understand at a glance the quality of the water in the monitored area.

****
Bacterial levels are safe for bathing

***
Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of disease for bathers, especially those with poor immune function, such as the elderly and young children.

** or *
Bacterial levels indicate a significantly increased risk of disease for bathers.

The Database is the compilation of all accurate results. This allows us to better understand pollution peaks and improve our forecasting models.

Good: Bacterial levels are safe for bathing per NHMRC guidelines.

Fair: Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of disease for bathers, especially those with poor immune function, such as the elderly and young children.

Poor and bad: Bacterial levels indicate a significantly increased risk of disease for bathers.

TNTC: Too Numerous To Count

The Forecast is based on interpretations following our analyzes carried out over several months. Our goal is to indicate the probability of risk of pollution daily and to recommend swimming or not.

Pollution is unlikely.
Enjoy your swim!

Pollution is possible.
Take care!

Pollution is likely.
Avoid swimming today!

Results of the week in detail.

December 04, 2024

See Data Base

Weekly star & color ratings

Good: Bacterial levels are safe for bathing per NHMRC guidelines.

Fair: Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of disease for bathers, especially those with poor immune function, such as the elderly and young children.

Poor and bad: Bacterial levels indicate a significantly increased risk of disease for bathers.

TNTC: Too Numerous To Count.

MONITORED BEACHES IN PORT VILA

Locations where we collect coastal water samples:

COASTAL WATER QUALITY VANUATU

PROGRAM

Our monitoring program started in september 2020 in response to community concern about sewage pollution washing up around Port Vila’s bay, lagoons & rivers. Every day, sewage are discharged to the ocean daily. Beach goers often come into contact with sewage pollution when they were swimming, fishing, scuba diving,…

The Coastal Water Quality program monitors and reports recreational water quality at swimming sites around Port Vila. Water samples are collected and tested for bacteria, showing signs of faecal pollution, and whether it is safe for swimming, fishing, scuba diving,…

COASTAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAM

PARTNERS

Vodaphone Beach

Sponsored by

Sea Front Jetty

Sponsored by

Ramada Area

Sponsored by

Retreat Seaside

Sponsored by

Sea side

Sponsored by

Erakor Bridge Area

Sponsored by

Rowing Club

Sponsored by

Second Lagoon

Sponsored by

Club Hippique

Sponsored by

Chantilly’s

Sponsored by

Vodaphone Beach

Sponsored by

Nambawan Cafe

Sponsored by

Sea Front Jetty

Sponsored by

Scuba Diving

Sponsored by

Iririki Wharf

Sponsored by

Sea Side

Sponsored by

Second Lagoon Entrance

Sponsored by

Club Hippique

Sponsored by

Ramada Area

Sponsored by

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PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY

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INVOLVED

Coastal Water Quality is a program created and managed by the Safe Water Vanuatu association. The association aims to promote and guarantee access to safe drinking water throughout the Vanuatu archipelago.

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