Report reveals growing contamination of Sydney’s beaches

Don't be fooled by the sparkles. This is amongst Sydney's worst-rated ocean beaches for water quality. "The water is clear now, but there's definitely where you go to the beach and it's pretty murky." Bronte Beach was previously graded "good". But the state government's latest report card has branded it "poor". The classification means the location is susceptible to faecal pollution. "It still looks nice. Tastes the same." Deborah Prosser swims most days. "You know if it's been heavy rain, it's probably going to be polluted here." She usually checks the water quality online. "Here it's often not good." "I won't swim, mostly won't swim, if it's not clear." The rating covers the last financial year before hundreds of tar balls mysteriously washed ashore last week. Also downgraded to poor were Shelly Beach at Manly and Boat Harbour at Kurnell. As well as several harbour enclosures including Murray Rose Pool formerly called Redleaf Pool. "The main issue is storm water and how that's managed and how that's managed at council level." Coogee Beach is a repeat offender rated poor for the third year in a row. A working group was formed to try to improve the water quality at Coogee. It's come up with a plan to divert stormwater away from the beach. The team is working on a proposal to present to Randwick City Council. Daily water quality data is published on the government's 'Beachwatch' website. Soon Penrith Beach also known as 'Pondi' will get a weekly rating And with a wet summer forecast, it could come in handy. “Unless there's a sign up saying, 'don't go in', then I might not, but even then." No amount of pollution stopping some from taking the plunge.