Shoalhaven beaches have received the highest rating achievable for water quality.
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Shoalhaven Heads Beach, Tilbury Cove, Warrain Beach, Collingwood Beach, Cudmirrah Beach were scored “good” in the four-level rating system of the statewide Beachwatch program.
Under the initiative Shoalhaven City Council environmental health officers monitor, collect and test water samples from selected beaches on a weekly basis for bacteria.
They test whether the water is showing signs of faecal pollution and whether it is safe for swimming.
The Beachwatch program, established in 1989, provides “reliable information on beach water quality to enable the public to make informed decisions about where and when to swim”.
About 130 swimming locations are monitored in the Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions, along with a further 150 sites monitored in partnership with councils along the state’s coast.
Under the program Shoalhaven City Council monitors 10 South Coast beaches, between December to February each year, in accordance with NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Beachwatch protocols.
These beaches include Shoalhaven Heads Beach, Tilbury Cove, Warrain Beach, Collingwood Beach, Cudmirrah Beach, Mollymook Beach, Rennies Beach, Racecourse Beach, Bawley Point Beach and Merry Beach. All of which received a “good” rating.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley used this score as an opportunity to remind beachgoers to never leave rubbish behind at the beach.
“We are lucky in the Shoalhaven to consistently receive very high water quality results,” Cr Findley said.
“Swimmers and watercraft users can be confident of the water quality of our beaches.
“As part of the monitoring process, council tests for bacteria known as enterococci which, if found, are indicative of water that is polluted with stormwater or sewage and may be unsafe for swimming.
“Residents and visitors to the Shoalhaven can do their part in preventing pollution in our waterways by ensuring litter is placed in bins, disposing of cigarette butts, picking up after your dog, disposing of lawn clippings correctly and washing your car on the grass rather than on the driveway.”
