Eurobodalla Beachwatch Program
Last Sample Date: 19/03/2012
The Beach Watch program is undertaken from
the start of November to the end of March each year with 5 samples
collected each month from 11 prime bathing beaches.
The sites monitored include 10 ocean beaches and a netted beach
just within the break walls of Wagonga Inlet.
The beach sampling locations include;
These sites have been monitored during summer since
2002/2003.
To determine whether water quality is safe for swimming,
Eurobodalla shire council uses the National
Health and Medical Research Council's Guidelines for Managing Risks
in Recreational Waters (NHMRC, 2008). The new NHMRC 2008
guidelines advocate enterococci as the single preferred indicator
organism for the detection of faecal contamination in recreational
waters.
'Good' rating - bacterial levels
are safe for bathing according to National Health &
Medical Research Council guidelines.
'Fair' rating - bacterial
levels indicate an increased risk of illness to bathers,
particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly
and young children.
'Poor' and "Bad' ratings - bacterial
levels indicate a substantially increased risk of illness to
bathers.
The majority of these sites consistently complied with these
guidelines over the 2010/11 summer season.
Caution should be exercised following wet weather in choosing a
suitable swimming location as rainfall events often wash pollutants
from the immediate catchment and may pollute waters.
Remember that Council is looking for your support and assistance
in maintaining the pristine nature of our beaches and estuaries and
encourages all beach goers to assist in the keeping of Nature Coast
beaches in the best of condition by collecting and removing all of
their refuse and litter.
