Werri Beach received a “very good” grading for water quality in the latest State of the Beaches report. Photo: Destination NSW.
Illawarra beaches have all received a tick of approval for water quality in the latest State of the Beaches report.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water assessed the performance of 21 swimming sites in the Illawarra region and found they were suitable for swimming for almost all of the time, which is considered to be an “excellent result”.
Only one swimming spot returned a poor rating – Entrance Lagoon Beach – while all others were rated as good or very good.
The department noted the results were similar to previous years.
“Rainfall is the major driver of pollution to recreational waters, generating stormwater runoff and triggering untreated discharges from the wastewater treatment and transport systems,” the report said.
“Changes in rainfall patterns are reflected in beach water quality over time due to variation in the frequency and extent of stormwater and wastewater inputs.”
According to the report, rainfall on the Illawarra coast was mostly average to below average for the 2023–2024 reporting year, except for some isolated wet months in November and December 2023 and April 2024.
All 13 swimming sites were graded as very good or good, continuing excellent results recorded for many years.
Sydney Water monitored 11 locations, where samples were collected every sixth day throughout the year at nine locations, and two locations were monitored every sixth day between October and April. Two locations were monitored by council.
Stanwell Park Beach, Coledale Beach, Austinmer Beach, Woonona Beach, Coniston Beach, Wollongong City Beach and Fishermans Beach all recorded excellent water quality and were suitable for swimming almost all of the time.
Coniston Beach improved to very good from good in the previous year due to improved microbial water quality.
Water quality at Thirroul Beach, Bulli Beach, Bellambi Beach, Corrimal Beach, North Wollongong Beach and Port Kembla Beach was graded as good and “frequently suitable” for swimming during dry weather conditions.
“However, enterococci levels generally increased with increasing rainfall, often exceeding the safe swimming limit after moderate to heavy rainfall,” the report said.
“Many of these sites have several, or more significant, potential sources of pollution such as stormwater or upstream sources discharged from creeks or lagoons.
“Discharges from storm sewage treatment plants at Bellambi and Port Kembla may also affect the water quality at nearby beaches following heavy rainfall.
“It is recommended that swimming be avoided at these beaches during and for up to one day following rainfall, or if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, flowing drains or floating debris.
Two of three swimming sites were graded as very good or good, which was a similar result to the previous year.
Warilla Beach and Shellharbour Beach had excellent water quality and were suitable for swimming almost all of the time. Warilla Beach was upgraded to very good from good due to improved microbial water quality.
Entrance Lagoon Beach continued to be graded as poor in 2023–2024, consistent with the previous year.
The site was mostly suitable for swimming during dry weather conditions, but enterococci levels increased with increasing rainfall and were often recorded after light rain.
The report said lake/lagoon swimming sites did not generally perform as well as ocean beaches, due to lower levels of flushing increasing the time needed to disperse and dilute pollution inputs, taking longer to recover from stormwater events.
All five swimming sites were graded as very good or good in 2023–2024, consistent with previous years.
Boyds Jones Beach, Bombo Beach and Werri Beach were graded as very good, with excellent water quality and suitable for swimming almost all of the time.
All beaches were upgraded to very good from good due to improved microbial water quality.
Surf Beach Kiama and Seven Mile Beach continued to be graded as good.
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