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Appendix B Further reading

This section provides additional sources of information on monitoring and assessment of bacteriological water pollution and recreational water quality. The information given here is not comprehensive. The intention is to provide a starting point and to list some of the most recent resources available relating specifically to the Sydney region.

1. Reports and texts

ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council) (2000). Core environmental indicators for reporting on the State of the Environment, ANZECC, Canberra.

(Guideline information for recreational water quality indicators)

Apte, S. C., Batley, G. E. and Ashbolt, N. J. (1993). Rapid detection of faecal coliforms in coastal waters. Australian Water and Wastewater Association 15th Federal Convention 18–23 April 1993, Technical Papers Vol. 2.

(Research and development – monitoring faecal coliforms in marine waters – rapid assessment for early warning)

Ashbolt, N. J. (1995). Health-related water microbiology: Australia leads: But where next? Water Journal, Vol. 22 No. 2 May/June 1995, Australian Water and Wastewater Association, Sydney.

(Discussion on research and development for recreational and drinking water quality indicators and guidelines – includes alternative health-related indicators)

Ashbolt, N. J., Riedy, C. and Haas, C. N. (1997). Microbial health risk at Sydney’s coastal bathing beaches. Australian Water and Wastewater Association 15th Federal Convention 16–21 March 1997 Vol. 2, pp. 104–111.

(Microbial quantitative risk assessment at Sydney’s urban coastal beaches using historical microbial data – models used to estimate exposure to pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and a model virus – enteric viruses pose the highest risk to bathers at Sydney ocean beaches)

Australian Water Technologies (1993). Long Term Beach Water Quality Reporting Series – Reports 1–8. Water Board, Sydney.

Report 1–Sampling Strategies and Methods of Analysis 1965–1992
(Summary of bacteriological data held by AWT for the period 1965–1992 from Sydney and Illawarra regions.)

Report 2–Assessment of Water Quality of Sydney’s Metropolitan Beaches
(Beach water quality for the period 1969–1991 for Sydney beaches – assessments are based on appropriate bacteriological water quality guidelines – likely pollution sources are discussed.)

Report 3–Trends in Densities of Faecal Coliforms at Seven Target Beaches in Sydney
(Examination of trends in faecal coliform levels at seven Sydney beaches between 1969 and 1991 – comparisons are made between pre- and post-deepwater ocean outfall commissioning bacterial counts.)

Report 4–Assessment of Water Quality of Beaches in the Illawarra Region
(Review of current water quality of Illawarra beaches)

Report 5–Spatial and Temporal Variations in Bacterial Densities at Selected Sydney Beaches
(Determination of the major sources of variation associated with faecal coliform sampling.)

Report 6–The Influence of Some Environmental Factors on Densities of Faecal Coliforms at Fourteen Sydney Beaches
(Twenty-four-hour rainfall, hours of sunshine, wind direction and speed and tide are examined for influence on faecal coliform counts.)

Report 7–Trends in Visual Sewage Pollution and Densities of Faecal Coliform Bacteria and their Use as Indicators of Bathing Water Quality at 14 Sydney Beaches
(Visual sewage pollution between the years 1969 and 1990 – associations between faecal coliform counts and visual sewage pollution indicators.)

Report 8–Trends in the Concentration of Grease at 13 Sydney Beaches

Australian Water Technologies, Sydney Water, NSW Environment Protection Authority (2000). Offshore Sediment Program 2000: Report – Final, AWT, Sydney.

Bartram, J., Rees, G. (2000). Monitoring Bathing Waters: A Practical Guide to the Design and Implementation of Assessments and Pilot monitoring programs. European Commission, World Health Organization, and United States Environmental Protection Agency, E & F Spon, London.

(European guide to developing a recreational water quality monitoring program)

Beachwatch (1995). Beachwatch Winter Season 1994. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring results for Sydney ocean beaches, Winter 1994 – visible sewage pollution indicators – correlation study between faecal coliforms and rainfall for ocean beaches)

Beachwatch (1995). Beachwatch 1995 Season Report. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring results for Sydney ocean beaches, Summer 1994–1995 – visible sewage and stormwater pollution indicators – correlation between visible indicators and bacteria – correlations between rainfall and bacteria – effluent and plume distribution study from Cronulla and Warriewood shoreline outfalls)

Beachwatch (1996). Harbourwatch 1995 Season Report. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring results for Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking beaches, Summer 1994–1995 – background to Harbourwatch program – pollution in Sydney Harbour – factors affecting water quality in Sydney Harbour)

Beachwatch (1996). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 1996 Season Report. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring results for Sydney ocean, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking beaches, Summer 1995–1996 – changes to Bulletin criteria – impact of drains on flagged areas – sediment bag monitoring of faecal coliforms – Secchi disk – community expectations of Beachwatch)

Beachwatch (1997). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 1997 Season Report. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – communications initiatives – microbiological quality assurance program – post-rainfall recovery study.

Beachwatch (1998). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 1997–1998 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – communications initiatives – microbiological quality assurance program – post-rainfall recovery study – Olympic study)

Beachwatch (1999). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 1998–1999 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program – effect of rainfall on Sydney beach compliance – post-rainfall recovery study – Olympic study)

Beachwatch (2000). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 1999–2000 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program – effect of rainfall on Sydney beach compliance – post-rainfall recovery study – Olympic study)

Beachwatch (2001). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2000–2001 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program – Beachwatch on the Web – effect of rainfall on Sydney beach compliance – post-rainfall recovery study – Olympic study)

Beachwatch (2002). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2001–2002 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program)

Beachwatch (2003). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2002–2003 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program)

Beachwatch (2004). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2003–2004 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program)

Beachwatch (2005). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2004–2005 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program)

Beachwatch (2006). Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 2005–2006 State of the Beaches. Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Bacterial monitoring of Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra ocean beaches, Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking – microbiological quality assurance program)

Guest, C., Douglas, R. and Woodruff, R. (1999) Health and the Environment. Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Medical Association, Fitzroy, Vic.

(Public Health – Environmental Health – Environmental Study – Health Planning, Australia)

Healthy Rivers Commission (2000). Independent Inquiry into the Georges River – Botany Bay System. HRC, Sydney.

(Analysis and assessment of water quality of Georges River – Botany Bay catchment health)

Healthy Rivers Commission (2000). Securing Healthy Coastal Rivers: A Strategic Perspective. HRC, Sydney.

Healthy Rivers Commission (2002). Independent Inquiry into Coastal Lakes. HRC, Sydney.

(Analysis and assessment of water quality of NSW Coastal Lake health)

Kirby, A., Van Roo, S. and Collie, T. (1995). Georges River and Botany Bay Faecal Coliform Monitoring Program, February 1993 – March 1994, Interpretive Report No. 94/104, Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Analysis of trends in faecal coliforms in Georges River and Botany Bay – development of sampling strategies for faecal coliforms specifically for Georges River and Botany Bay – correlations with rainfall – pilot faecal coliforms recovery study)

Laws, E. A. (2000). Aquatic Pollution: An Introductory Text – 3rd Edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York.

(Background information on marine water pollution issues in a global context)

Leeming, R., Nichols, P. D. and Ashbolt, N. J. (CSIRO Division of Marine Research) (1998). Distinguishing Sources of Faecal Pollution in Australian Inland and Coastal Waters using Sterol Biomarkers and Microbial Faecal Indicators. Urban Research Association Australia, Melbourne.

Legge-Wilkinson, M. (1996). Human Impact on Australian Beaches. Surfrider Foundation Australia Limited, Sydney.

(Analysis of results from the SOS95 Beach Questionnaire organised by Surfrider Foundation Australia, which documented and assessed human impacts on beaches around Australia)

National Health and Medical Research Council (2005) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters, Canberra.

NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation (2000). NSW Conservation Strategy. NSW DLWC, Sydney.

NSW Environment Protection Authority (1995). Provisional Water Quality Investigations Manual: Preferred Methods for Sampling and Analysis. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Aimed at water quality professionals – standardised monitoring for State of the Environment reporting – management of water quality investigations – sampling procedures – parameters (physico-chemical and biological) and analytical methods – quality assurance and quality control – budgeting – data handling)

NSW Environment Protection Authority (1996). Sydney Deep Water Outfalls Environmental Monitoring Program: Final Report Series Volumes 1–7. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

(Provides background information, overall assessment and results of the Sydney Deep Ocean Outfalls program)

NSW Environment Protection Authority (2000a). NSW State of the Environment Report 2000. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

NSW Environment Protection Authority (2000b). NSW State of the Environment Report 2000: Water Backgrounder. EPA (NSW), Sydney.

Raffensperger, C. and Tickner, J. A. (1999) Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Implementing the Precautionary Principle, Island Press, Washington

(Precautionary principle – environment protection – government policy, United States – health risk assessment)

Roberts, E. R. (2000). Water Quality Control Handbook, McGraw-Hill. New York.

Salmon, I. (2002). Water (NSW) A to Z, covering all NSW waters, Inland-Estuarine-Marine. Lablex Pty Ltd, Main Beach, QLD.

(Aimed at water industry specialists, this manual provides an up-to-date A to Z directory of information about NSW receiving waters – covers everything from algae to zone of aeration – includes notes on Water and the Law)

Short, A. D. (1993). Beaches of the New South Wales Coast – a Guide to their Nature, Characteristics, Surf and Safety. Australian Beach Safety Management Program, Sydney.

(Comprehensive guide to NSW beaches – Includes beach dynamics, rip profiles, surf characteristics, Surf Life Saving Club information, surf rescue and water safety)

Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (2001). The Tide Is Turning – Final report on the Botany Bay Program. SSROC, Sydney.

(Provides information, results and discussion strategies on the 18-month Botany Bay Program, the aim of which was to develop a framework for the integrated management plan for Botany Bay catchment)

Sydney Water (1998). Annual Environment Report. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Provides information on Sydney Water’s environmental performance during 1997–98. Includes water supply operations, sewage and stormwater transport, sewage treatment and resource conservation)

Sydney Water (1998). Environmental Indicators Monitoring Program Methods Report. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Outlines the methodology for collection, analysis and storage of data collected for Sydney Water’s Environmental Indicators Monitoring Program. Also describes the quality system associated with the program and provides detail of indicators used.)

Sydney Water (1999). Annual Environment Compliance Report. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Provides information on Sydney Water’s environmental compliance during 1998–1999)

Sydney Water (2000). Annual Environment and Public Health Report 2000. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Provides information about Sydney Water’s performance in managing a range of environmental and social impacts.)

Sydney Water (2000). Environmental Indicators Monitoring Program Compliance Data 2000. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Contains raw data gathered from Sydney Water’s Environmental Indicators Monitoring Program.)

Sydney Water (2000). 2000–2005 Environment Plan. Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney.

(Provides information on the long-term strategic plan for Sydney Water Corporation)

Water EcoScience Pty Ltd: Urban Research Association of Australia (1999). Alternative Micriobiological Indicators of Water Quality. Urban Water Research Association Australia, Melbourne.

Waterways Authority (2000). Sewage Pollution from Vessels Discussion Paper – Findings and Proposed Actions. Waterways Authority, Sydney.

(Outlines current situation, legislation – boat populations – infrastructure – other jurisdictions – key findings – public health – environment – pump-out facilities – monitoring, compliance and education – proposed actions)

Wong, T. H. F., Breen, P. F., Somes D. and Nicholas, L. G. (1999). Managing Urban Stormwater using Constructed Wetlands. Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology and Monash University, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Victoria.

 

2. Internet Sites

www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au – Bega Valley Shire Council (accessed 11 June 2008)

www.ballina.nsw.gov.au – Ballina Shire Council (accessed 11 June 2008)

www.clarence.nsw.gov.au – Clarence Valley Shire Council (accessed 11 June 2008)www.environment.nsw.gov.au – Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Information regarding environmental legislation, programs, and other environmental information. Links to other sites relating to the environment.)

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach/BWPilot– Beachwatch Partnership Pilot Program Overview (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Access to Beachwatch Partnership Pilot Program resources and information)

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach/default – Beachwatch (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Summary of Beachwatch and Harbourwatch programs, state of the beaches, pollution causes, health information and links to other relevant sites.)

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/stormwater (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Describes the urban stormwater program and stormwater treatment devices as well as Stormwater Trust applications and conditions of funding.)

www.erin.gov.au – Environment Australia (accessed 11 June 2008)

(This Federal Government environment site provides information on national environmental issues, programs, legislation, policy and new initiatives for environmental management.)

www.esc.nsw.gov.au – Eurobodalla Shire Council (accessed 11 June 2008)www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries – NSW Fisheries (accessed 11 June 2008) www.gosford.nsw.gov.au - Gosford City Council (accessed 11 June 2008)www.health.nsw.gov.au – NSW Department of Health (accessed 11 June 2008)

(This site contains information on public health issues)

www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/eh38– National Health and Medical Research Council (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Health information in relation to recreational water use)

www.hunterwater.com.au – Hunter Water Corporation (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Water quality and sewage treatment/disposal information for the Hunter region)

www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au – Kempsey Council (accessed 11 June 2008)www.livingthing.net.au – NSW Environment Service Sector (accessed 11 June 2008)

(This site provides a comprehensive listing of environment online information services.)

www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au – Port Stephens Council (accessed 11 June 2008)http://www.mccn.org.au/ – Marine and Coastal Community Network (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Provides information on marine and coastal environmental issues Australia wide. The network promotes information sharing between community groups, government agencies and industry.)

www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au – Richmond Valley Council (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Aimed at surfers. Provides information on pressures and issues affecting the coastal environment.)

www.slsa.asn.au – Surf Lifesaving Australia (accessed 11 June 2008)

(General beach information, surf safety and patrol dates)

www.streamwatch.org.au/ – Streamwatch (accessed 11 June 2008)

(State community water quality and action network)

www.sydneywater.com.au – Sydney Water Corporation (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Water quality and sewage treatment/disposal information for the Sydney – Illawarra region. Introduces ‘WaterPlan 21’, the Corporation’s vision for sustainable wastewater management.)

www.surfrider.org.au – Australian Surfrider Foundation (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Aimed at surfers. Provides information on pressures and issues affecting the coastal environment.)

www.waterwatch.org.au – Waterwatch Australia (accessed 11 June 2008)

(This site contains national information on water quality monitoring and education programs that develop strategies to address water problems.)

www.waterways.nsw.gov.au – NSW Waterways Authority (accessed 11 June 2008)

(Contains information regarding NSW coastal conditions, the Annual Report, Corporate Plan and a discussion paper on sewage from vessels. Describes pollutant sources for waterways.)

www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/en/index.html – World Health Organization (accessed 11 June 2008)

(International health information in relation to recreational water use)

www.wyongsc.nsw.gov.au – Wyong Shire Council (accessed 11 June 2008).

3. Other sources

A list of Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) publications is available from the Department’s Environment Line on 131 555. Alternatively, the list can be viewed on the Department’s internet site at www.environment.nsw.gov.au.

Other sources of information on water quality are State of the Environment reports published by local councils, and the NSW State of the Environment Report, which is published every three years by DECC.

DECC library holds books, reports and journals relating to most aspects of water quality monitoring and assessment. The library is located on level 15 in Head Office (59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney), and is open to academics, researchers, postgraduate students, environment groups, council officers and other government employees. An appointment to use the library resources is essential and can be made by calling DECC on (02) 9995 5000.

In the Sydney region there are other specialist libraries and information centres that hold information on water quality and related issues. These libraries include the Coastal Environment Centre, the Water Reference Library and the Manly Environment Centre. Government authorities and agencies engaged in water resources management, such as Sydney Water, also have libraries open for research purposes.