A new report on the water quality of beaches around NSW showed that Avalon Beach has maintained its “Very Good” standing. The report also indicated some fluctuations, notably the downgrading of Mona Vale Beach and ongoing issues with Narrabeen Lagoon.
Per the NSW State of the Beaches 2022-2023 report, released by the Minister for the Environment, Avalon Beach, along with Palm Beach and Whale Beach, sustained its water quality rating. This achievement is particularly impressive given the adverse weather conditions during the reporting period.
Mona Vale Beach, a popular coastal destination, has been downgraded from “Very Good” to “Good” due to an increase in faecal contamination. This drop in water quality can be attributed to heavy rainfall and potential pollution sources. The latest data shows elevated Enterococci levels, occasionally exceeding safe swimming limits, especially after light rain events.
The report also highlighted that almost all monitored beaches in NSW had excellent water quality, which represents an increase from 94 per cent in the previous year, despite the region experiencing record rainfall and flooding during the reporting period.
Several other beaches have been upgraded in the report, with Coledale, Fingal Bay, South Stockton Beach, and Malua Bay achieving higher water quality grades. Two other beaches, Toowoon Bay and Caseys Beach, have been upgraded to “Good”.
Estuarine Swimming Sites and Their Challenges
Meanwhile, estuarine swimming sites, including Narrabeen Lagoon (Birdwood Park) Lagoon and Bilarong Reserve Lagoon, continue to face water quality challenges. Both lagoons were rated as “Poor” in water quality, as in the previous year’s report.
Birdwood Park, located at the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon, is influenced by wet weather events and whether the lagoon is open to the ocean, making it susceptible to faecal contamination from lagoon discharge. Bilarong Reserve, on the other hand, retains pollution inputs due to its distance from the lagoon entrance and limited flushing by clean ocean water.
The report underscores that water quality at these lagoon sites is generally suitable for swimming during dry weather, with a high percentage of samples within safe swimming limits. However, after rainfall, Enterococci levels consistently exceeded safe limits.
Animal and Human Faecal Contamination
Contamination of recreational waters with faecal material from both animal and human sources can pose significant health risks to beachgoers. Common pathogens found in these waters include bacteria, protozoans, and viruses, which can lead to gastroenteritis and other infections.
Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, tourists, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are at greater risk of microbial infections when exposed to contaminated water.
Impact of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Wastewater treatment plants, such as the Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, have been identified as potential sources of faecal contamination at some beaches. Enterococci levels at Warriewood Beach have steadily risen, despite the report indicating that the plant’s capacity is not constrained.
The ongoing impact of these treatment plants and other pollution sources remains a concern, with the report highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and measures to address pollution and maintain water quality standards.
Actions Taken and Future Plans
Efforts to address water quality issues at certain beaches include sand clearance operations at the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance. A change in strategy, with more frequent but smaller sand clearance operations, aims to maintain water quality and prevent prolonged closures of the lagoon entrance. This approach, recently adopted by the council, reflects a commitment to resolving ongoing water quality challenges in the area.
Despite some challenges, the majority of beaches in NSW continue to offer safe and excellent water quality for swimmers, and the State of the Beaches report serves as a valuable resource for beachgoers, providing real-time information and guidance on beach conditions, especially after rainfall events.
For more detailed information on beach water quality and specific ratings, you can refer to the full report.