Swimmers across the state can dive in with confidence this Summer, with the NSW Government releasing the 2020-21 State of the Beaches report.
The State of the Beaches report provides an overview of the water quality at 210 swimming locations monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs across NSW. The report found:
• 98 per cent of the 118 ocean beaches were graded as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’
• 77 per cent of the 71 estuarine swimming sites were graded as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’
• 24 per cent of the 17 lake/lagoon swimming sites were graded as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’
Nationals Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the report demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to improving water quality for communities.
“Rainfall is the major driver of pollution in recreational waters as it generates stormwater runoff and triggers discharges from the wastewater system,” Mrs Pavey said.
“That’s why we encourage swimmers to jump online to the Beachwatch website before they jump in the water this swimming season to check the daily pollution forecast particularly after rainfall.”
Regional snapshot:
• Central Coast: 56 per cent of swimming sites in the Central Coast region were graded as Good or Very Good – a three per cent decline on last year.
• Hunter: 100 per cent of swimming sites in the Hunter region were graded as Good or Very Good – a four per cent improvement on last year.
• North Coast: 68 per cent of swimming sites in the North Coast region were graded as Good or Very Good – a 15 per cent decline on last year.
• Illawarra: 100 per cent of swimming sites in the Illawarra region were graded as Good or Very Good – consistent with last year.
• South Coast: 95 per cent of swimming sites in the South Coast region were graded as Good or Very Good – a two per cent decline on last year.
For more information visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachwatch
