Northern Sydney Beaches
Water Quality during April 2013
Issued 14 May 2013
The water quality at Sydney's northern beaches during April was mostly good, with 28 of the 35 beaches suitable for swimming on all sampling occasions. The best performing beaches were:
- Pittwater: Barrenjoey Beach, Clareville Beach, Paradise Beach Baths, Taylors Point Baths, North Scotland Island, South Scotland Island, Elvina Bay, Great Mackerel Beach and The Basin.
- Ocean beaches: Palm, Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale, Turimetta, Warriewood, North Narrabeen, Collaroy, Long Reef, Dee Why, North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, Freshwater, Queenscliff, North Steyne and Shelly (Manly).
Enterococci levels exceeded the safe swimming limit of 40 cfu/100mL in one or more samples at the following locations:
- Pittwater: Bayview Baths
- Ocean beaches: South Steyne.
- Lagoon: Birdwood Park (Narrabeen Lagoon).
- North Harbour: Manly Cove, Little Manly Cove, Fairlight Beach and Forty Baskets Pool.
Rainfall during April was 199.8 mm, well above the historical average of 127.2 mm. Rain fell over 16 days, with the heaviest falls recorded on 3-5 and 20 April.
A wet weather bypass of secondary biological treatment and partial disinfection occurred at Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant on 3 April and 20 April.
Beachwatch recommends that swimming be avoided for one day after heavy rainfall at ocean beaches and for up to three days after rainfall at harbour beaches.
Before heading to the beach, particularly after it has been raining, check pollution levels by checking the Beachwatch website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach or follow us on Twitter @BeachwatchNSW.
When at the beach, look for signs of stormwater pollution such as discoloured water, or litter in the water or on the tide line before entering the water.
View: Enterococci monthly summary graph
Page last updated: 16 May 2013
