Coogee ranks as Sydney’s worst ocean beach for faecal pollution – again
Summary
Coogee Beach in Sydney has again been rated the worst ocean beach in the area for faecal pollution, according to a 2026 state survey. Pollution mainly comes from stormwater runoff carrying bacteria from sources like dog waste, bird droppings, and sewer overflows, especially after rain.Key Facts
- The 2026 State of the Beaches report evaluated 245 swimming sites across New South Wales (NSW).
- 43 sites (17.6%) were rated “poor” or “very poor” for water quality due to faecal pollution.
- Coogee’s water quality rating stayed “poor” from last year, indicating frequent faecal contamination after rain and sometimes in dry periods.
- Pollution comes from stormwater runoff, carrying dog poo, bird droppings, and sewer overflows into the ocean.
- Coogee is in a steep catchment area and is a semi-protected bay, which means pollution stays longer as the water doesn’t flush out quickly.
- Sydney’s Malabar wastewater treatment plant is not a significant source of pollution for Coogee because it discharges far offshore.
- Overall, 97% of NSW ocean beaches had a “good” or “very good” water quality rating.
- Other beaches such as Foreshores and Gymea Bay in Sydney had “very poor” ratings, with swimming not recommended there.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
