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Swimmers warned about water quality on Sydney beaches and in ACT waterways

January 19, 2024

Karen Sweaney

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Safety / Wellness /

Water quality testing results have shown that some of Sydney’s beaches and harbour swimming spots along with some of ACT’s waterways still have a high probability of contamination.

Impacted ACT waterways including parts of the Murrumbidgee, Cotter, Molonglo and Paddy's rivers are closed to swimming until further notice due to recent heavy rainfall resulting in water quality below levels that are suitable for swimming.

Canberrans eager to swim are being encouraged to visit one of the ACT's public pools or aquatic centres.

Water quality testing results have shown elevated bacteria levels, and as a result the following areas are closed as they are unsafe for primary contact (swimming):

Casuarina Sands
Uriarra East and West
Swamp Creek
Pine Island
Kambah Pool
Point Hut Crossing
Tharwa Bridge
Murrays Corner
Cotter Campground
Molonglo River boat ramp

With high temperatures predicted over the coming days, the ACT Government is urging the community to avoid swimming in these areas for their own safety. These areas will remain open for all land-based activities such as walking and picnicking.

Closures will remain in place until further testing can be completed to show that water quality has returned to safe levels. Water quality testing is conducted every week and notified on the ACT City Services website.

Following the heavy rainfall experienced across Sydney this week, the latest official Beachwatch forecast shows that some of Sydney’s beaches and harbour swimming spots still have a high probability of contamination.

Water quality monitors regularly test samples from swimming sites across the city for enterococci bacteria.

Heavy rain sweeps sewage and stormwater – which may also harbour pathogenic bacteria – into popular swimming spots, potentially exposing swimmers to harmful micro-organisms that can cause gastrointestinal disease, respiratory illness and skin, ear or eye infections.

Beachwatch forecasts currently show that pollution is likely at Balmoral Baths and Narrabeen Lagoon with water quality unsuitable for swimming while at Bronte Beach, Tamarama Beach and Queenscliff beach indications show possible pollution where caution is required especially for young children, elderly and those whose health is currently comprised.

DNA analysis shows most seawater contamination is caused by sewage, which can leak into stormwater under heavy rain or due to ageing wastewater mains.

Professor Justin Seymour, leader of the Ocean Microbiology Group at the University of Technology Sydney told SMH “Enterococci are a good indicator of faecal contamination in the environment because they shouldn’t be there naturally, they’re found in the human gut.”

Seymour advised that the vast majority of locations he’s tested are contaminated by human waste rather than animal excrement.

Seymour’s research on Sydney beaches also revealed there were 10 times more antibiotic resistant bacteria in the water after intense rainfall.

If you are planning to swim in the ACT, always check the website first.

For Beachwatch updates go to www.beachwatch.nsw.gov.au/

Image top: Kambah Pool Credit: Visit Canberra; Image above: Beachwatch forecast