Council participates in year 3 of NSW Government’s Beachwatch Program

Published on 04 October 2024

Bellingen Shire Council has begun its third year of water quality testing under the NSW Government’s Beachwatch Program, focusing on  providing high-quality data and information on water quality  at the Shire’s most popular recreational water sites. This data provides weekly updates on water safety for the community throughout the summer season and contributes toward our ability to develop predictive water quality models into the future.

Water samples are collected weekly from seven locations across the Shire from 23 September to 28 April 2025 including:

• Never Never River – Arthur Keoughs Reserve
• Bellinger River – Lavenders Bridge
• Bellinger River – Mylestom Tidal Pool
• North Beach – At Surf Club
• Urunga Lagoon – Urunga Lido
• Hungry Head Beach – At Surf Club
• Dalhousie Creek – At Surf Club

The testing focuses on Enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination. Elevated levels of Enterococcus in water samples may increase the risk of illness for recreational water users due to pollutants. Council also collects additional data such as water temperature, electrical conductivity, and undertakes observations at the Shire’s most popular recreational water sites. Following laboratory analysis, the water quality results will be rated and published on the Beachwatch website. Users can easily search for the test sites within the Shire to access the latest results at beachwatch.nsw.gov.au alongside the results of other Council regions participating in the program. Additionally, QR codes linking to the latest results have been installed at each testing site, empowering the community to make informed decisions about their recreational water use.

In cases of poor water quality, Council has established protocols to ensure timely public notifications. These include updates on the Beachwatch and Council websites within 72 hours of sample collection, followed by ongoing re-sampling until the site’s water quality improves. In some cases, alternative locations may be tested to identify the source of pollution.

Managing water quality in the Shire is a collective responsibility. Visitors to local spots are encouraged to follow simple guidelines:

• Use restroom facilities before entering the water, or “go before you go” before visiting sites with no amenities.
• Remove all rubbish when leaving.
• Clean up after dogs, as even small amounts of dog waste can contain millions of harmful bacteria.
• Property owners along rivers, lagoons, and estuaries should also ensure proper fencing to prevent animals from accessing the water.

The Bigger Picture?

The NSW Beachwatch program aids research into the health of our waterways and beaches into the future. The consecutive collection of data across multiple years enables Council to contribute to a predictive water quality model for the future. These ongoing assessments will provide valuable insights into pollution trends and help pinpoint emerging issues. Over time, this high-quality data can also support the development of more effective stormwater and wastewater management strategies, highlighting areas where additional work is needed to protect our natural environment.

By participating in the Beachwatch program, Bellingen Shire Council reaffirms its commitment to preserving the region’s waterways for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Through regular testing and data collection, Council continues to take a proactive approach to safeguarding public health while preserving the natural beauty of the Bellingen Shire’s picturesque aquatic environments.

Beachwatch Program