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How do we test?

Water quality samples are routinely collected throughout the year at ocean beaches in the Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions and at estuarine swimming sites in Sydney. Swimming locations monitored along the NSW coast under the Beachwatch Partnership Program are generally only monitored during the summer swimming season (October to April).

During the summer season (October to April) each site is monitored approximately once every six days, using aseptic sampling technique. At ocean beaches 6-day sampling continues year round. At harbour beaches, 6-day sampling is limited to the summer season, with monthly surveillance sampling undertaken during the winter period (May to September) when many pools are closed and shark nets removed.

The sampling procedures used by Beachwatch are in accordance with NHMRC 2008 Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters which require sampling be conducted only while the site is in use.

 

Aseptic sampling technique

This technique ensures that samples are not contaminated during collection and involves:

• Using sterile sampling containers
• Not removing the lid from the container until the actual time of sample collection
• Filling the container in a sweeping motion away from the sampler
• Replacing the lid tightly, immediately after sample collection, and ensuring there is no contact with the neck or mouth of the container
• Placing the sample on ice in an esky and delivering to the laboratory generally within 6 hours of collection

What happens next?

After water samples are collected, they are stored on ice to prevent bacterial die-off or growth and sent to a commercial laboratory for analysis. Samples are tested for levels of the bacterial indicator, enterococci, which indicates the degree of sewage contamination in the water. The results are compared to water quality guidelines and are reported to the community.