Swimming Spots in Sydney Deluged with Pollution After Heavy Rainfall

Sydneysiders have been advised to stay away from several popular swimming spots in the city due to high contamination levels caused by stormwater pollution. The New South Wales government agency Beachwatch has issued a red warning for 26 swimming spots in Sydney and the Central Coast regions. This warning means that the water is unsuitable for swimming. Some of the affected areas include Balmoral Baths, Chiswick Baths, Woolwich Baths, Foreshores Beach, Frenchmans Bay, Rose Bay Beach, Murray Rose Pool, Hayes Street Beach, Narrabeen Lagoon, Northbridge Baths, Oatley Bay Baths, Parsley Bay, and Tambourine Bay. Signs of stormwater pollution include flowing drains, open lagoons, odors, litter, and debris.

The recent deluge of heavy rain has exacerbated the contamination levels. Sydney has been experiencing abnormally humid conditions for several weeks, which have increased the potential for heavier showers. The heavy rain washes pollutants such as rubbish, animal feces, cigarette butts, leaf litter, and oil off streets and into the stormwater system, resulting in poor water quality at rivers and beaches.

Swimming in polluted waters can expose swimmers to pathogens and hidden debris, making them susceptible to illness. Therefore, swimmers are advised to avoid swimming at ocean beaches for at least one day after heavy rain and for three days in estuaries and inland waterways to minimize their risk. Although temperatures are expected to be high in the coming days, humidity levels are forecasted to decrease.

In a separate incident, Mullaloo beach in Western Australia has also faced contamination issues caused by the Trichodesmium bacterium. This bacterium naturally occurs in Australian waters and thrives in calm waters with high temperatures. Exposure to this bacterium can cause skin irritation. The WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is monitoring this situation closely.