Scotch College

Yarra River Water Quality

EPA Victoria provides recreational water quality monitoring information for the Yarra. The nearest monitoring sites to Scotch are at Abbotsford (Johnston Street) and South Yarra (Melbourne High School).

Information from Rowing Victoria

Rowing Victoria is aware that there are health issues associated when rowing on Victorian water ways.

Rowing Victoria recommends that any members participating in rowing on the Yarra River understands that there are health risks associated with the consumption of Yarra water. Therefore, Rowing Victoria does not recommend that any members consume or swim in the Yarra and that good hygiene is practiced after every training session.

Hygiene suggestions are:

• Wear flip-flops/thongs at all times outside of the boat
• Wear socks whilst rowing
• Regularly wash equipment with warm soapy water
• Clean oar handles after every training session
• Keep training clothes seperate
• Wash training clothes after every session
• Shower immediately after every session
• Use antibacterial soaps
• Keep hands and feet clean
• Protect open wounds

The Environment Protection Agency of Victoria does state that the Yarra is suitable for rowing, kayaking and other similar activities.