Did you know that the water quality at Coogee Beach has been downgraded to “Poor” based on the 2021-2022 findings of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment? Find out when to avoid swimming at the beach.
Read: Safety Concerns Force Removal of Coogee Pier Pylons After 94 Years
The Department’s annual state of the beaches report for the Sydney region revealed that microbial water quality in Coogee Beach has declined over the last two years, crossing the threshold from Good to Poor this reporting period.
The poor grade indicates that microbial water quality is susceptible to faecal pollution, particularly after rainfall and occasionally during dry weather conditions, with several potential sources of faecal contamination including stormwater.
Based on their analysis, elevated enterococci levels were occasionally recorded during dry weather conditions. Such levels also increased following rainfall.
Because of this, the public is being warned to avoid swimming in the ocean beaches during and for up to one day following rainfall, or if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, flowing drains or floating debris.
Actions to Improve Water Quality at Coogee Beach
In 2019, the NSW Government committed $2.5 million for the diversion of stormwater from Coogee Beach to improve water quality and the marine environment.
This comes after the Coogee Beach Stormwater Quality Working Group advised Randwick City Council to investigate the feasibility of diverting more stormwater from the beach, and the development of a community education and marketing campaign to better inform the local community about stormwater and its impact on local beaches.
In May 2022, with funding from the DPE, a consultant was appointed and will meet with the Coogee Beach Stormwater Quality Working Group to investigate and design a solution for stormwater diversion at Coogee Beach.
Read: From the 1840s to 1890s: The Years That Shaped Coogee
Meanwhile, Council officers undertake their routine inspections and regulatory duties to ensure stormwater pollution is investigated and mitigated to reduce impacts to the water quality of local recreational waterways.
