Southern Sydney Beaches

Issued 12 January 2010

The water quality at Sydney's southern beaches was generally good during December, with 20 of the 28 beaches suitable for swimming on all sampling occasions. The best performing beaches were:

· Ocean beaches: Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Shelly (Sutherland) and Oak Park.

· Botany Bay: Congwong Bay, Yarra Bay, Brighton Le Sands Baths, Monterey Baths, Ramsgate Baths and Silver Beach.

· Lower Georges River: Oatley Bay Baths, Sandringham Baths and Dolls Point Baths.

· Port Hacking: Gymea Bay Baths, Lilli Pilli Baths, Gunamatta Bay Baths, Horderns Beach and Jibbon Beach.

Enterococci levels exceeded the suitable swimming limit of 200 cfu/100 mL on one sampling occasion at Boat Harbour and South Cronulla ocean beaches, at Foreshores Beach and Kyeemagh Baths in Botany Bay, and at Jewfish Bay Baths and Como Baths in lower Georges River. The results were recorded following rainfall and are likely to be the result of stormwater contamination.

Enterococci levels exceeded the suitable swimming limit of 200 cfu/100 mL on two occasions at Frenchmans Bay (15 and 31 December) and Carrs Point Baths (9 and 31 December). The elevated result at Frenchmans Bay on 15 December was recorded during dry weather conditions and the cause of the contamination is unknown.

Rainfall in late December triggered three sewage overflows to Botany Bay on 28 December.

Beachwatch recommends 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 phoning the Beachwatch telephone information line on Freecall 1800 036 677 or check the Beachwatch website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach.

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