Star ratings are generated weekly for each beach based on a single enterococci data point from the most recent sampling date. A beach can receive between one and four stars depending on performance that week. The star rating categories are derived from the microbial assessment categories used in the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters 2008.
About weekly star ratings for beach water quality
Discover how we decide how many stars your swimming site deserves.
How to read star ratings
|
Rating |
Enterococci category |
Description |
|
* * * * |
<41 |
Good |
|
* * * |
41–200 |
Fair |
|
* * |
201–500 |
Poor |
|
* |
>500 |
Bad |
Good: bacterial levels are safe for bathing according to NHMRC guidelines.
Fair: bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of illness to bathers, particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly and young children.
Poor and Bad: bacterial levels indicate a substantially increased risk of illness to bathers.