News - Bega Merimbula Eden Bermagui Tathra Pambula

Bega Valley Shire beaches have all scored the highest 4-star rating under the State Government’s Beachwatch program. Monitoring and reporting on water quality at many popular local swimming spots is underway again this summer.

Project officer Rodney Hicks said 21 local swimming sites were being monitored in accordance with NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Beachwatch protocols.

“Beaches tested include Wallaga Lake in the north through to beaches in and around Eden and lots of beaches, including non-surf beaches, in between at Bermagui, Tathra, Merimbula and Pambula,” Mr Hicks said.

“Council is monitoring for certain types of bacteria which can indicate if water is polluted with stormwater or sewage and may be unsafe for swimming.

“The results are being posted on Council’s website and distributed to the local media and can be viewed on the DECCW website, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach/starratingsbega.htm

“For the most part, the swimming spots that are monitored are as clean as they are beautiful,” Mr Hicks said.

“A four star rating can be expected for the majority of sampling dates throughout the summer.

“However, Council does remind locals and visitors to our Shire that water quality can diminish following heavy rain so caution swimming should be exercised after these events.”

Sampling will continue at all the Beachwatch sites until the end of February 2010.