New ‘poo warning’ issued for five Melbourne beaches

Faecal bacteria levels have again risen to unsafe levels at five beaches around Melbourne.

Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has recorded poor water quality ratings at Port Melbourne, Frankston, Mentone, St Kilda and Werribee South.

All five beaches are near large waterways or stormwater drains, the EPA said.

It also urged swimmers to avoid entering discoloured water.

"We have indicators we look for (in water tests), which is an indicator of faecal contamination, which is a really nice way of saying poo," the EPA’s Dr Anthony Boxshall told ABC News 24.

"It's bird poo, it's horse poo, it's cow poo and it's people poo."

Last week, an earlier faecal bacteria scare prompted warnings for all 36 beaches in Port Phillips Bay, which were yesterday declared safe for swimming.

Swimmers, particularly the elderly and children, have also been warned of a gastro risk.

READ MORE: Gastro warning for Melbourne beaches after storm