News - Bega Merimbula Eden Bermagui Tathra Pambula

The Bega Valley Shire Council will be monitoring and reporting on water quality of many popular swimming locations again this summer.

Project co-ordinator Tait Farram said 20 local swimming sites would be monitored in accordance with NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Beachwatch protocols.

“The Beachwatch program was established in 1989 by the NSW Government to monitor ocean and lake waters for bacterial contamination,” he said.

“Water samples are collected from between the bathing flags,(or at the most frequently used part of the beach if there are no flags, and analysed to check the water quality.

“Council will be 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 will be posted on Council’s website and distributed to the local media.

“A variety of sites will be monitored including ocean beaches, coastal lagoons and estuarine swimming locations,“ Mr Farram said.

He said the Sapphire Coast was justly renowned for its pristine beaches, bays, estuaries and coastal lakes and rivers.

“For the most part, these swimming spots are as clean as they are beautiful.

“However, people need to be able to be confident about the quality of the water they are swimming in.

“They need informed advice about any potential health impacts and whether it might be sensible to avoid swimming at certain times.

“While most coastal swimming sites generally enjoy excellent water quality, some experience stormwater pollution after rain.

“As a general rule, we encourage people to avoid swimming for a day after heavy rainfall at coastal beaches and for up to three days in estuarine areas,” he said.

“There are many things the community can do to complement the work being conducted by the Council.

“By placing litter in bins, composting garden waste and not using the hose as a broom, we can all help ensure pollution stays out of the stormwater and our waterways remain clean,” Mr Farram said.