In the latest DPI&E State of the beaches 2018-2019 report Eurobodalla beaches scored well with the exception of Surf Beach which was down graded from a Good to a Poor.
One of only ocean beaches categorised as Poor in NSW Surf Beach was downgraded to Poor from Good as the water quality at this site, according to the report, is occasionally impacted during dry weather and often after rainfall.
The report stated that while the microbial water quality has declined, it is only slightly above the threshold between Good and Poor.
"As a general precaution swimming should be avoided at ocean beaches during and for up to one day after rainfall, or if there are signs of stormwater pollution such as discoloured water, flowing stormwater drains or floating debris."
The Beachwatch Program, in partnership with NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, is undertaken every year from the start of November to the end of March, with five samples collected each month from 11 popular Eurobodalla beaches.
Beach sampling locations
Monitored sites include 10 ocean beaches and a netted beach just within the break walls of Wagonga Inlet.
These sites have been monitored during summer since 2002/2003:
Water samples are collected from the Centre of Surf Beach.
Council advise of Surf Beach: 'Good' rating: bacterial levels are safe for bathing according to National Health & Medical Research Council guidelines Potential pollution sources and catchment use
urban stormwater
reticulated sewerage system and pump stations
landfill leachate
Wimbie and Surf Beach creeks
sewer treatment plant outfall.
Pollution - mode of impact
via intermittently flowing creek with low volume discharge (+ SW drainage pipe on north end) public toilet on beach reserve intermittently flowing creek (low volume) remote effective ocean outfall pollution from vessels at sea.
