FORESHORES beach in Botany Bay was one of only two waterways in NSW to receive a "very poor" rating in the latest annual report card on the water quality of our coastal and estuarine beaches.
The rating — the worst a waterway can receive — meant it was "very susceptible to faecal pollution and microbial water quality" and "often unsuitable for swimming," the 2012-2013 State of the Beaches report said. It added it was "generally recommended to avoid swimming at these sites".
The report said the site was "very susceptible to faecal contamination from the sewage overflows which discharge into Mill Pond Creek".
"To reduce the risk of contracting swimming-related illnesses at this site . . . avoid swimming during and up to three days following light rainfall if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, odour or floating debris," the report said.
Oatley Bay baths received St George's only "poor" rating, meaning it was "susceptible to faecal pollution and microbial water quality" and was "not always suitable for swimming".
In Sutherland Shire, Boat Harbour, the popular Hordens beach at Bundeena, and Gymea Bay baths were among the 46 beaches, estuaries, lakes and lagoons tested that rated "poor".
Only Greenhills beach and Oak Park baths at Cronulla and Jibbon beach at Bundeena rated "very good" with the rest falling into the "good" or "fair" categories.
None of the waterways in St George received a "very good" rating.
Beaches graded "very good" "were suitable for swimming almost all of the time".
The report graded good 13 of the 20 estuarine beaches in the region: Silver beach at Kurnell, Como baths, Jew Fish Bay baths, Sandringham baths, Dolls Point baths, Ramsgate baths, Monterey baths, Brighton-Le-Sands baths, Lilli Pilli baths and Gunnamatta Bay baths.
Carss Point baths and Kyeemagh Baths rated "fair".
The report said swimming should be avoided at all sites in Botany Bay, the lower Georges River and Port Hacking for up to three days after rain.
CLEANING UP OUR WATERWAYS
TO reduce the incidence of wet-weather sewage overflows in the catchments of Lime Kiln Bay, Jew Fish Bay, Gungah Bay and Oatley Bay, Sydney Water had ‘‘amplified sewer pipes and pumps and included storage tanks,’’ the report said.
‘‘Kogarah, Hurstville, Sutherland and Rockdale councils have recently completed the Lower Georges River Sustainability Initiative — a $1.9 million project funded from the NSW Environmental Trust.
‘‘The grant funded the development of a sustainability plan as well as works such as the installation of stormwater improvement devices and water-sensitive urban design in target catchments.
‘‘Kogarah Council is designing and constructing a stormwater harvesting plant in Carlton. Water from the plant will be used at council’s works depot for cleaning and other uses.
‘‘Rockdale Council is completing a comprehensive water quality program across 17 sites. The report will identify and prioritise measures to reduce water pollution. It is continuing to investigate and plan for the installation of structures to reduce the amount of pollutants entering Botany Bay.
‘‘Hurstville Council has implemented the Peakhurst Light Industrial Stormwater Harvesting and Re-use Scheme.
Do you have concerns about water quality in the St George area?
