Primrose Sands Beach warning – Swimming not currently advised

UPDATE: 7 MARCH 2025

Our investigations into the water quality at Primrose Sands Beach remain ongoing.

To date, we have:

Collected samples from several locations at the beach, in addition to our regular summer water quality testing program. Collecting samples from stormwater and seepage running onto the beach. We have surveyed systems in the streets surrounding the boat ramp.

Initial seepage sample results suggest there is some impact from local septic systems.

While we are unable to identify a clear linkage to a particular system or area, the data suggests seepage impacts are likely to be coming from a number of properties. Identifying exact properties is extremely difficult.

Accordingly, we cannot confidently conclude that this seepage is responsible for the elevated beach readings and the water quality concerns.

Our next steps include:

We will continue to test and monitor the water quality at the beach and continue to provide updates and advice on the suitability of the water for swimming once the data has been reviewed.

We are seeking advice from the specialist consultants who are currently undertaking our Southern Beaches Onsite Wastewater and Stormwater Plan.

We also encourage locals to have a look at their onsite septic systems and seek advice from a wastewater designer if in doubt. Many properties in the area have older septic systems, which are potentially nearing the end of their useful life. Property owners should be planning for their replacement to ensure they are meeting their obligations for managing wastewater on their property appropriately and responsibly. This will help improve our water quality.

The latest results collected on Monday 3 March 2025 indicated high bacterial level results. Therefore, the recommendation to not swim at the boat ramp end of Primrose Sands Beach remains in place. Samples collected at the shop end of the beach were ok, and water quality remains suitable for swimming.

UPDATE: 3 FEBRUARY 2025

Good water quality was found at the eastern end and mid-beach sites, however a high bacterial results are still occurring at the boat ramp site, the recommendation to not swim in the location remains in place and investigations to identify sources of pollution continue. The eastern end of the beach is suitable for swimming.

Weekly water sampling will continue until the end of March.

UPDATE: 15 JANUARY 2025

Regular water sampling undertaken at Primrose Sands Beach has seen several incidences of higher results this summer, which are much higher than the long-term figures.

The sample site at the western end of the beach (the Boat Ramp end) is subject to seepage and stormwater. However, the reason for the high results has not yet been established and is currently under investigation.

In the interim period, swimming is not recommended at the western end of the beach near the boat ramp. The eastern end (below the Primrose Sands General Store) is suitable for swimming and will continue to be monitored throughout the summer swimming season.  

The Water Quality Advisory sign at the boat ramp beach entrance has been updated to reflect the current situation, and temporary signage warning signs have also been installed advising people not to swim in this location.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For further information please call 6269 0000 (Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm).

We conduct water sampling of the recognised swimming beaches in our Municipality weekly over the summer period.

The following swimming beaches are tested weekly over the summer period. Testing from previous years shows that most of our recognised beaches are suitable for swimming.

LocationTasmanian Recreational Water Guidelines classificationCommentsConnellys BeachGoodSurface water run-off likely to impact on water qualityPrimrose BeachUnder review – Currently poorStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfallPark BeachGoodRed Ochre Beach (South)GoodStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfallRed Ochre Beach (North) aka Blue LagoonGoodTigerhead Beach (Seventh Ave)GoodStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfallMidway Point (below McKinly Street)ModerateStormwater may impact on water quality after rainfall

If two consecutive samples exceed recommended levels, residents are advised not to swim at the beach until subsequent testing has demonstrated that the water is suitable for swimming.

Please ensure you observe signage at the beach access points, as this is where we will notify you if swimming is currently not recommended.

We also update our website and social media accounts if levels exceed recommended levels and advise people not to swim.

You can find out more about this topic on the Department of Health’s website – Recreational water quality | Tasmanian Department of Health