Resources and training for councils
Protocol for assessment and management of microbial risks in recreational waters
Beachwatch has developed a protocol for assessment and management of microbial risks in recreational waters. The document provides a step-by-step guide for designing and implementing a program to monitor and report recreational water quality and includes field manual, sanitary inspection paperbase and examples of sanitary inspection reports. While it is intended for local councils in coastal NSW, it could be used by any organisation wishing to undertake Beachwatch-style monitoring.
Sanitary inspection report
Undertaking a sanitary survey can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Preparation and planning can reduce these impacts by keeping the survey focused, ensuring that only accurate and relevant information is collected and minimising the need for repeat inspections or interviews. The sanitary inspection report paperbase provides a checklist of the information you will need to gather about the site and its potential pollution sources as well as assists with the risk classification process. A field sheet version of the sanitary inspection report (SIRFieldsheet.pdf, 114kb) is also available to be taken to the swimming site undergoing assessment.
Field manual
The Field Manual (DECCWFieldManual.doc, 496 KB) includes equipment required for sampling, detailed procedures for sample collection, storage and transport, examples of field sheets and a range of other useful forms. The manual is in Microsoft word format, allowing field sheets and other documentation to be tailored to each council's needs.
Beach signage
Beachwatch can provide examples of signs used by other councils (CouncilSigns.pdf, 869 KB), but cannot provide a standardised pollution warning sign. Councils receive varying advice as to whether signs can be erected and the wording. Please consult your Council's signage policy or legal advisor.
Training
A key component of the Beachwatch Partnership Program is the training course for coastal local councils in NSW. This two day workshop on recreational water quality monitoring and reporting is designed to build the capacity of local councils to monitor recreational waters in a consistent and scientifically rigorous manner.
Seven modules are included in the training:
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Guidelines for managing risks in recreational waters
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Selecting sites for assessment
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Sanitary inspections
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Microbial water quality monitoring
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Data analysis and beach suitability grades
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Reporting
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Management
If your council requires training on recreational water quality monitoring and reporting contact Beachwatch for further information.
Common issues and questions arising from training courses in 2009
What Australian States have adopted the NHMRC Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters (NHMRC 2008)?
The guidelines have been adopted in all Australian States:
Enterococci analysis takes much longer than Faecal Coliforms
Not under the latest Australian Standard.
Enterococci analysis should be undertaken using the Australian Standard method: AS/NZS 4276.9:2007. This method does not require a confirmation step (unless the plate is crowded) and results are available within 26 hours.
Are the guidelines only for marine beaches?
No, the guidelines can be applied to freshwater, estuarine and marine waters. Unlike the previous guidelines, the indicator organism and thresholds are the same for all waterways. NHMRC indicate that this position will be reviewed if epidemiological data for freshwater systems becomes available (NHMRC 2008, page 73, note 5).
Who has the power to close beaches?
In NSW, local councils are responsible for the management of public land (Local Government Act 1993), including beaches. NSW Department of Health has limited powers related to large scale incidents.
Can Beachwatch provide standardised pollution warning signs?
Beachwatch can provide examples of signs used by other councils, but can not provide a standardised pollution warning sign. Councils receive varying advice as to whether signs can be erected and wording. Please consult your Council's signage policy or legal advisor.
Beachwatch is on the Standards Australia 'Water Safety Signs and Symbols' Committee. We have raised the issue of standardised signage for pollution incidents, but this is not currently on the committee’s agenda.
Can I determine a beach suitability grade if I don't have 100 enterococci data points?
Possibly, depending on what data is available and site specifics. Contact Beachwatch to discuss the options.
What's required of Council's in the Beachwatch Partnership Program?
- Select the sites they wish to monitor
- Collect routine water quality samples
- Analyse water quality samples
- Undertake sanitary inspections
- Provide Beachwatch with water quality data and sanitary inspections
What's Beachwatch's role in the Beachwatch Partnership Program?
- Advice on program design
- Quality assurance of sampling
- Quality assurance of analysis
- Advice and assistance with sanitary inspections
- Preparation of weekly star ratings
- Preparation of draft media releases
- Publication of State of the Beaches reports
- Training and provision of support materials
Page last updated: 15 November 2011
