A river barge is causing confusion in the kanamaluka/River Tamar

The TasWater craft is undertaking survey activities along large swaths of the river between late March and mid-April this year in contributory work towards the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TEHRAP).

TERHAP, developed by the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce, hopes to address long running concerns over the health of the waterway, and is estimated to be finished by 2024.

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The barge, dubbed the "good vessel TasWater," will complete survey drilling offshore at several locations between Kings Park waterfront and North Esk River inlet, and began work on March 27.

A TasWater spokesperson said the floating barge was testing the riverbed between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Fridays.

"If you're on the estuary, look out for us and keep a safe distance," they said.

The Tamar survey follows the beginning of major upgrades to reduce sewerage and stormwater flows into the kanamaluka/Tamar River in October last year.

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That project, a $17 million venture jointly funded by local, state and federal governments, targets a 66 per cent reduction in overflows and was estimated for completion in March.

At this stage, the project has completed the design of new infrastructure for pipelines, storage facilities and pump stations, as well as assessment of how flora and fauna will be impacted - usually investigated during similar survey operations.

TasWater warns any members of the public pursuing recreational, business or sports related activities in the planned survey areas to be mindful near the barge, which is clearly visible to water traffic.

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