Kingborough Council has commenced work this week to understand how stormwater discharging into the southern end of Blackmans Bay Beach disperses.
Acting Mayor Clare Glade-Wright said the investigation used a bright green, non-toxic, biodegradable dye (fluorescein) to track how stormwater enters the bay and moves through the water.
“The dye was added to the three stormwater outlets just before they reach the beach, helping Council understand how the water disperses and whether it remains in the southern end of the bay or flows into the Derwent,” Cr Glade-Wright said.
“The dye will be highly visible for 12- 24 hours, allowing its movement to be monitored using drones, tracking tools, and a floating device called a drogue to study the tidal currents.
“Results from this investigation will be published on Council’s website in 2026 and will guide future actions to improve water quality at the beach.
“Testing is occurring this week from 9am to 5pm.
“More information about the stormwater tracking work can be found of council’s website: Blackmans Bay Recreational Water Quality – Kingborough Council.
This work follows the downgrade of the southern end of Blackmans Bay Beach to ‘Poor’ in the Derwent Estuary Program’s 2024 Recreational Water Quality Report.
“Just remember, anything that goes into the stormwater system will end up at the beach.
“So whatever washes down the drains on our streets eventually flows into our waterways and beaches.”
