Director of Environmental Health Jim Dodds said that water samples taken so far were well within the chemical and microbiological public health guidelines.

"The results show that recreational activities in the area such as swimming and diving, and the collection of fish and crustaceans, do not pose any excess risk to public health," he said.

"Dredging is known to reduce water clarity as has occurred within the lower reaches of the Swan River at Preston Point - John Tonkin Park and around the port, however, this is aesthetic in nature and not an indication of chemical or heavy metal pollution.

"Although the water is safe for recreational activities, we advise people to exercise caution when entering water that is discoloured or turbid as submerged objects may be hidden from view.

"We would also reiterate our long standing advice that people should not eat or collect shellfish including oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, cockles and razor clams, in any developed catchment."

The Environmental Protection Authority, "the approving authority" for the Fremantle Inner Harbour Dredging and Reclamation project, is responsible for overseeing conditions of compliance including a Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP).

The Department of Health receives WQMP reports and independently reviews water quality monitoring data against recreational water guidelines.

The Department of Health will continue to monitor these results and if required, will provide updated advice to the public if there is any risk that public health or safety may be compromised.

(Note: This media statement is on the Department of Health's website. Click here.)