**Interviewer:** Can you tell us about the current water quality situation at popular swimming spots in New South Wales?
**Expert:** Certainly. Recently, the NSW State of the Beaches report indicated that over 25% of the region’s well-loved swimming areas have faced pollution issues, primarily due to faecal matter. This includes some significant locations like Coogee, Bronte, and Malabar beaches in Sydney.
**Interviewer:** Were there any specific beaches that received poor ratings?
**Expert:** Yes, this year, six beaches were categorized as “poor,” which means they are susceptible to faecal pollution and not always suitable for swimming—especially after rain. These beaches include Shelly Beach in Manly, Bronte, Coogee, Malabar, Boat Harbour in Sydney, and Surf Beach on the south coast.
**Interviewer:** What has contributed to this pollution, and how does it compare to previous years?
**Expert:** The report highlighted that estuaries, lakes, and lagoons were the most heavily impacted again this year. They are more prone to collecting runoff compared to ocean beaches. The pollution is often driven by stormwater runoff resulting from rainfall events which can overwhelm wastewater systems. Despite a good overall rating, the water quality has slightly declined from the previous year, largely due to increased rainfall in coastal areas.
**Interviewer:** What measures are being taken to address these issues?
**Expert:** The government has already invested $2.5 million into diverting stormwater from Coogee beach. Additionally, improvements are planned for Malabar beach since it takes longer to recover from stormwater events. A proposal will be brought to the local council next year.
**Interviewer:** How does this situation affect the public, particularly in terms of health?
**Expert:** The presence of faecal material poses significant health risks, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. It’s crucial for swimmers to stay informed about water quality, particularly after rainfall. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe emphasized the importance of checking the Beachwatch website for real-time updates, especially in the summer months.
**Interviewer:** Are there any new locations that might improve swimming options this summer?
**Expert:** Yes! This summer, we’re excited that popular inland swimming spots, including the newly trialed Penrith Beach, will be added to the water quality monitoring. The government has allocated another $2.5 million to ensure Penrith Beach can reopen safely this summer after its positive trial last year.
