Chapter 4 The Harbourwatch Program
Background Chapter is geographically based and collates relevant information on catchment and The Harbourwatch Program was established swimming site pages. in November 1994 to monitor and report on water quality in the harbour, bay and Catchment reports estuarine swimming areas of Sydney. A The catchment pages give an overview of pilot Harbour Beaches Monitoring Program results of all monitored sites within the was conducted by Beachwatch from May catchment area and are presented as tables 1992 to July 1993. of compliance. Bacterial results for each site Water quality monitoring and reporting within the catchment for summer 2006–2007 are presented graphically as box plots, with The Harbourwatch Program monitors and the current season’s results shaded in grey reports on water quality at 59 swimming for ease of identification and for comparison sites within nine catchment areas: Pittwater, with other sites and catchment areas. Port Jackson, North Harbour, Middle Beach reports Harbour, lower Lane Cove River, lower Parramatta River, lower Georges River, The beach pages give a brief description of Botany Bay and Port Hacking. the site, an assessment of water quality over the season, any pollution sources that can In addition, Darling Harbour is also affect the site and any pollution reduction monitored as part of the Harbourwatch actions taking place in recent years. Water program, even though it is not a swimming quality data is presented in three sections: site. However, some authorised water- related activities such as water skiing are • an assessment of the level of compliance held there and thus involve primary contact over the last five years recreation. Darling Harbour is reported on • the effect of rainfall on bacterial densities in Chapter 6: Special Studies. using aggregated data from the last three The Harbourwatch daily reporting program years (including winter season data). uses rainfall data and sewage overflow • individual results, rainfall, and the rolling information for daily assessment of harbour compliance with water quality criteria. beaches and swimming enclosures. Monthly These are presented as time-series plots, reports are based on bacterial water quality. giving an overview of water quality throughout summer 2006–2007 and the Sample collection preceding winter season (2006). Beachwatch staff collect water samples at all Availability of Harbourwatch results sites approximately every sixth day in accordance with NHMRC (1990) guidelines Besides the results presented in this report, for recreational use of water. All samples are Harbourwatch information can also be transported to one laboratory for accessed via the Beachwatch and microbiological analysis. Harbourwatch telephone information line (1800 036 677) and the Beachwatch website Chapter structure (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach). The results of the Harbourwatch bacterial Historical water quality data, monthly sampling program are presented in this compliances and seasonal compliances can Harbourwatch chapter. So that the characteristics of each be obtained from the NSW Government’s beach and the nature of pollution sources State of the Environment (SoE) website at can be readily understood, the format of this www.soedirect.nsw.gov.au.
The Harbourwatch Program 173
Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites Harbourwatch Harbourwatch
174 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites Summary Jimmi Bay, Bayview Baths, North Scotland Island, South Scotland Island, Forty-three of the 59 harbour swimming The Basin and Great Mackerel Beach sites complied 100% with Beachwatch • Sydney Harbour – Clifton Gardens, criteria for faecal coliforms and enterococci Redleaf Pool, Rose Bay Beach, Nielsen during the 2006–2007 summer season Park, Parsley Bay, Watsons Bay, Forty (Figure 20 and Figure 21). This is the second- Baskets Pool, Fairlight Beach, Manly highest level of compliance ever recorded Cove, Little Manly Cove, Davidson for Sydney’s harbour beaches. The highest Reserve, Gurney Crescent Baths, result was obtained in the previous summer Sangrado Baths, Chinamans Beach, season, when 51 of the 59 beaches complied Edwards Beach, Balmoral Baths, 100% of the time. Tambourine Bay, Woodford Bay, Improvements in water quality over the Woolwich Baths, Cabarita Beach, Henley 2005–2006 summer season were recorded at Baths, Dawn Fraser Pool and Greenwich eight swimming sites. Compliance increased Baths for one or both indicators at: • Lower Georges River – Jew Fish Bay • Hayes Street Beach, Little Sirius Cove, Baths, Oatley Bay Baths, Sandringham Clifton Gardens, Davidson Reserve and Baths and Dolls Point Baths Sangrado Baths in Sydney Harbour • Botany Bay – Ramsgate Baths, Monterey • Salt Pan Cove Baths and Elvina Bay in Baths, Brighton-le-Sands Baths, Pittwater Kyeemagh Baths, and Silver Beach • Kyeemagh Baths in Botany Bay. • Port Hacking - Lilli Pilli Baths and Decreases in water quality from the 2005– Horderns Beach. 2006 summer season were recorded at 13 Pittwater swimming sites. Compliance decreased for Faecal coliform compliance one or both indicators at: Nine of the 11 Pittwater swimming sites • Northbridge Baths in Sydney Harbour complied 100% with Beachwatch criteria for and Clontarf Pool faecal coliforms for summer 2006–2007 • Chiswick Baths in lower Parramatta (Figure 20). River. Faecal coliform compliance decreased by • Salt Pan Cove Baths and Elvina Bay in seven percentage points at Salt Pan Cove Pittwater and four percentage points at Elvina Bay, from the previous summer season. • Foreshores Beach, Yarra Bay, Frenchmans Bay and Congwong Bay in Botany Bay Enterococci compliance • Como Baths and Carrs Point Baths in Ten of the 11 Pittwater swimming sites lower Georges River recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch enterococci criteria during summer 2006– • Gunnamatta Bay Baths, Gymea Bay Baths 2007. Relatively high enterococci and Jibbon Beach in Port Hacking. compliances were also recorded at Salt Pan Cleanest harbour swimming sites Cove Baths (93%). Harbour swimming sites that complied Improvements in enterococci compliance 100% of the time with both bacterial from the previous summer season were indicators during summer 2006–2007 were: recorded at two locations. Salt Pan Cove Baths increased by nine percentage points Harbourwatch • Pittwater – Barrenjoey Beach, Paradise and Elvina Bay increased by six percentage Beach Baths, Clareville Beach, Winji points.
The Harbourwatch Program 175
Port Jackson Compliance at Northbridge Baths fell to Faecal coliform compliance 90%, from 100% in the previous summer season. Seven of the eight swimming sites Enterococci compliance monitored in Port Jackson recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch criteria for Six of the eight Middle Harbour beaches faecal coliforms (Figure 21). recorded 100% compliance with the Beachwatch enterococci criteria during Faecal coliform compliance at Hayes Street summer 2006–2007. Beach was 97% during summer 2006–2007, an increase of 16 percentage points from the Improvements in enterococci compliance previous summer. Little Sirius Cove also were recorded at Davidson Reserve (22 showed much improvement with 100% percentage points) and Sangrado Baths (16 compliance, up from 72% in the previous percentage points), with both sites achieving summer. 100% in the 2006–2007 summer season. Enterococci compliance Sites that did not achieve 100% enterococci Six of the eight Port Jackson swimming sites compliance were Northbridge Baths (94%) recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch and Clontarf Pool (94%). Compliance at both criteria for enterococci (Figure 21). sites fell six percentage points from the previous summer season’s. A relatively high level of compliance was Lower Lane Cove River also recorded at Hayes Street Beach (94%) and Little Sirius Cove (94%). Both sites Faecal coliform compliance showed significant improvement in All three lower Lane Cove River swimming enterococci compliance, increasing ten and sites recorded 100% compliance with 28 percentage points, respectively, from the Beachwatch criteria for faecal coliforms previous summer season’s. during summer 2006–2007 (Figure 21). North Harbour Enterococci compliance Faecal coliform compliance All three lower Lane Cove River swimming All four North Harbour swimming sites sites recorded 100% compliance with recorded 100% compliance with the faecal Beachwatch criteria for enterococci during coliform criteria. summer 2006–2007 (Figure 21). Enterococci compliance The results for 2006–2007 were similar to the All four North Harbour swimming sites previous summer season’s. recorded 100% compliance with the Lower Parramatta River enterococci criteria. These results were Faecal coliform compliance similar to those reported in summer 2005- 2006. Four of the five lower Parramatta River swimming sites recorded 100% compliance Middle Harbour with Beachwatch faecal coliform criteria Faecal coliform compliance during summer 2006–2007 (Figure 21). The exception was Chiswick Baths (90%), which
Harbourwatch Harbourwatch During summer 2006–2007, seven of the eight swimming sites in Middle Harbour fell by ten percentage points from the recorded faecal coliform compliances of previous summer season’s. 100% (Figure 21). Enterococci compliance Improvement in compliance was recorded at All five lower Parramatta River swimming two locations. Faecal coliform compliance sites recorded 100% compliance with increased by 19 percentage points at Beachwatch enterococci criteria during Davidson Reserve and three percentage summer 2006–2007 (Figure 21). points at Sangrado Baths.
176 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Lower Georges River Beachwatch faecal coliform criteria during Faecal coliform compliance summer 2006–2007 (Figure 20). The exception was Jibbon Beach, with 94% Five of the six lower Georges River compliance. swimming sites recorded 100% compliance Enterococci compliance with Beachwatch criteria for faecal coliforms during summer 2006–2007 (Figure 20). Three of the five Port Hacking swimming sites recorded 100% compliance with Faecal coliform compliance at Como Baths enterococci criteria during summer 2006– decreased by six percentage points from the 2007. previous summer season’s levels (from 100% in 2005–2006 to 94% in 2006–2007). A significant decrease on the 2005–2006 Enterococci compliance summer season results was recorded at Gymea Bay Baths (69%), with a fall of 31 Five of the six lower Georges River percentage points. Enterococci compliance swimming sites recorded 100% compliance also fell at Gunnamatta Bay Baths, which with Beachwatch criteria for enterococci recorded 78% compliance. during summer 2006–2007 (Figure 20). Plans for improvement Enterococci compliance fell by 16 percentage points at Carrs Point Baths to 84% Sewage overflows – SewerFix compliance for the 2006–2007 summer Sydney Water is required by Environment season. Protection Licence conditions to manage Botany Bay sewage treatment systems efficiently. This is required to protect and minimise harm to Faecal coliform compliance the environment and public health from Six of the nine Botany Bay swimming sites sewage treatment plant effluent and sewage recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch overflows by minimising the frequency and faecal coliform criteria (Figure 20). volume of sewage treatment plant bypasses and sewage overflows. Faecal coliform compliance decreased by nine percentage points at Foreshores Beach Details on SewerFix, Sydney Water’s 20-year to 91%, six percentage points at Yarra Bay to program for maintaining and improving the 94% and by three percentage points at sewer system, are presented in Chapter 2. Frenchmans Bay to 97%. Stormwater Enterococci compliance The NSW Government’s Urban Stormwater Five of the nine Botany Bay swimming Program was established in 1997 and locations recorded enterococci compliance of completed on 30 June 2006. 100% during summer 2006–2007. A total of $82 million in seed funding was Compliance at Kyeemagh Bay improved by provided to address stormwater quality 16 percentage points from the 2005–2006 hotpots and to give the stormwater industry summer season results. and stormwater managers an opportunity to develop new ways of addressing poor Enterococci compliance fell from 100% in stormwater quality and ameliorating its 2005–2006 at four swimming sites in Botany impact on receiving waters. Bay. These sites were Foreshores Beach (88%), Yarra Bay (84%), Frenchmans Bay The major outcomes of the Urban (91%) and Congwong Bay (94%). Stormwater Program, and details of Sydney Water’s investment in the Stormwater Port Hacking Environmental Improvement Program, are Faecal coliform compliance presented in Chapter 2. Harbourwatch Four of the five swimming sites in Port Hacking recorded 100% compliance with
The Harbourwatch Program 177
Figure 20: Compliance of Harbourwatch Sites during Summer 2006–2007: Pittwater, Lower Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci Pittwater
Barrenjoey Beach 100 100
Paradise Beach Baths 100 100
Clareville Beach 100 100
Salt Pan Cove Baths 93 93
Winji Jimmi Bay 100 100
Bayview Baths 100 100
North Scotland Island 100 100
South Scotland Island 100 100
Elvina Bay 96 100
The Basin 100 100
Great Mackerel Beach 100 100
Lower Georges River
Jew Fish Bay Baths 100 100
Como Baths 94 100
Oatley Bay Baths 100 100
Carss Point Baths 100 84
Sandringham Baths 100 100
Dolls Point Baths 100 100
Botany Bay
Ramsgate Baths 100 100
Monterey Baths 100 100
Brighton-le-Sands Baths 100 100
Kyeemagh Baths 100 100
Foreshores Beach 91 88
Yarra Bay 94 84
Frenchmans Bay 97 91
Congwong Bay 100 94
Silver Beach 100 100
Port Hacking
Gunnamatta Bay Baths 100 78 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch
Lilli Pilli Bay Baths 100 100
Gymea Bay Baths 100 69
Hordens Beach 100 100
Jibbon Beach 94 100
0 25 50 75 100 25 50 75 100200 % Compliance
178 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Figure 21: Compliance of Harbourwatch Sites during Summer 2006–2007: Sydney Harbour
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci Port Jackson
Hayes Street Beach 97 94
Little Sirius Cove 100 94
Clifton Gardens 100 100
Redleaf Pool 100 100
Rose Bay Beach 100 100
Nielsen Park 100 100
Parsley Bay 100 100
Watsons Bay 100 100
North Harbour
Forty Baskets Pool 100 100
Fairlight Beach 100 100
Manly Cove 100 100
Little Manly Cove 100 100
Middle Harbour
Davidson Reserve 100 100
Gurney Crescent Baths 100 100
Sangrado Baths 100 100
Northbridge Baths 90 94
Clontarf Pool 100 94
Chinamans Beach 100 100
Edwards Beach 100 100
Balmoral Baths 100 100
Lower Lane Cove River
Tambourine Bay 100 100
Woodford Bay 100 100
Woolwich Baths 100 100
Lower Parramatta River
Cabarita Beach 100 100
Henley Baths 100 100
Chiswick Baths 90 100
Dawn Fraser Pool 100 100
Greenwich Baths 100 100
0 25 50 75 100 25 50 75 100200 % Compliance Harbourwatch
The Harbourwatch Program 179
Harbourwatch
Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites
Pittwater Harbourwatch
The Harbourwatch Program 181
Pittwater Sites: Barrenjoey Beach, Paradise Beach Baths, Clareville Beach, Salt Pan Cove Baths, Winji Jimmi Bay, Bayview Baths, North Scotland Island, South Scotland Island, Elvina Bay, The Basin and Great Mackerel Beach Harbourwatch Harbourwatch
182 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Pittwater Location Actions to improve water quality The Pittwater catchment covers 49 square Actions specific to individual swimming kilometres. Land use is mainly residential sites are included on the ‘swimming area’ and bushland (including Ku-ring-gai Chase pages. Improvements in water quality will National Park), with some commercial, light also be achieved as a result of a stormwater industrial and recreational areas. management plan, grant funding and other programs. Pittwater Council operates in this area. Pittwater Stormwater Management Plan Compliance with guidelines Pittwater Council has been undertaking an Faecal coliform and enterococci compliances ongoing review of the actions and priorities varied in Pittwater during summer 2006– in its Stormwater Management Plan. The 2007 (Table 15). plan identifies a number of priority actions Nine of the eleven Pittwater monitoring for improving stormwater quality. These sites complied 100% of the time with both include the installation and ongoing faecal coliform and enterococci guidelines. maintenance of stormwater management These sites were Barrenjoey Beach, Paradise systems, and community education and Beach Baths, Clareville Beach, Winji Jimmi awareness in regards to pollution Bay, Bayview Baths, North Scotland Island, management. South Scotland Island, The Basin and Great A Stormwater Quality Improvement Device Mackerel Beach. (SQID) maintenance strategy is being Salt Pan Cove Baths complied 93% of the developed, incorporating the location of time with both faecal coliform and devices on Council’s Geographical enterococci criteria. Elvina Bay complied Information System (GIS). with faecal coliform 96% of the time and Community education: Council continues to enterococci 100% of the time. implement its stormwater pollution The range of indicator bacteria levels prevention program for construction sites. measured at Pittwater swimming areas Education efforts with tradespersons aim to during summer 2006–2007 is shown in ensure sound environmental practices are Figure 22. Levels of faecal coliforms and being undertaken on site. enterococci were generally lowest at Other Programs monitoring sites closest to Broken Bay. Winnererremy Bay restoration: Restoration Ranking of beaches works have been under way in All monitored harbour and ocean beach Winnererremy Bay for the past few years. swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Current works include the continual and Illawarra regions were ranked on the restoration of saltmarsh and bushland and basis of their compliance with swimming the creation of foreshore paths and visitor guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A facilities in Rowland Reserve. Restoration total of 15 distinct ranks were determined works are being carried out in conjunction for the 131 sites monitored both for faecal with the Friends of Winnererremy Bay. coliforms and enterococci, with many sites Pittwater Estuary Management Plan: The ranked equally. Pittwater Estuary Management Plan is based Nine of the eleven swimming areas in on the management options identified in the Pittwater were ranked equal first (Table 15). Estuary Processes Study for the Pittwater Elvina Bay was ranked third and Salt Pan waterway, developed under the former Harbourwatch Cove Baths was ranked equal sixth. Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (NSW) Estuary Management Program.
The Harbourwatch Program 183
Careel Creek water quality improvement replacement of an existing trash rack with a works is underway. This will involve the more effective Baramy device.
Table 15: Compliance and Ranking of Pittwater Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Barrenjoey Beach 100 100 1 Paradise Beach Baths 100 100 1 Clareville Beach 100 100 1 Salt Pan Cove Baths 93 93 6 Winji Jimmi Bay 100 100 1 Bayview Baths 100 100 1 North Scotland Island 100 100 1 South Scotland Island 100 100 1 Elvina Bay 96 100 3 The Basin 100 100 1 Great Mackerel Beach 100 100 1
Figure 22: Bacterial Levels at Pittwater Sites during Summer 2006–2007
10000
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s h h d in h ay ay ath aths aths lan land as eac eac B eac B B B B B Is h e B ina B B le v v he el l immi ew l i o i and Is and T oey eac v E er i J k
Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Faecal coliform ev ay otl otl enj inj c c r e B lar an C B ac s ar C W S B lt P th adi a r o eat M ar S outh S r N P S G
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h s h d n h Harbourwatch Harbourwatch i ay ay ath aths aths lan land as eac B eac eac B B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Enterococci B Is h e B ina B B e l v mmi lv he el il i iew oey o and Is and T eac J v E er ev i k ay otl otl enj inj c c r e B lar an C B ac s ar C W S B lt P th adi a r o eat M ar S outh S r N P S G
184 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Barrenjoey Beach See page 182 for key to map Description Barrenjoey Beach is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and located on the north-eastern foreshore of Pittwater. Palm Beach Reserve backs Barrenjoey Beach.
Pollution sources A small stormwater drain discharges to the beach.
Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.
Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliforms generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold Harbourwatch
The Harbourwatch Program 185
Paradise Beach Baths See page 182 for key to map Description Paradise Beach Baths is a 30-metre by 20-metre netted swimming enclosure located on the eastern foreshore of Pittwater and backed by a narrow sandy beach and a small park area.
Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges alongside the swimming enclosure. Two small stormwater drains discharge to the beach.
Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has also been high, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 94 84 82 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours, and usually exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL count/100 Bacterial 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
186 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Clareville Beach See page 182 for key to map Description Clareville Beach is a narrow, 250-metre-long beach located on the eastern foreshore of Pittwater. A grassy park area backs the beach, with picnic facilities at the northern end.
Pollution sources Three small stormwater drains discharge to the beach.
Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has varied, with 100% compliance recorded over the past three years.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 100 86 78 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold Harbourwatch
The Harbourwatch Program 187
Salt Pan Cove Baths See page 182 for key to map Description Salt Pan Cove Baths is a 20-metre by 30-metre netted swimming enclosure located on the south-eastern foreshore of Pittwater.
Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges alongside the swimming enclosure and another into the bay.
Actions There are no actions specific to this swimming site.
Compliance Faecal coliform compliance ranged from 90% to 100% over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 76% to 100%.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100100 100100 100 100 97 100 100 100 100 97 100100 100 100 90 93 100 93 86 81 84 76 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and often exceeded the median guideline limits in response to five millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Both faecal coliform and enterococci densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 th 100 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch − − rolling 80 percentile 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
188 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Winji Jimmi Bay See page 182 for key to map Description Winji Jimmi Bay is a poorly flushed swimming area in the south-eastern corner of Pittwater, backed by a grassy park in which a dog exercise area is located.
Pollution sources Stormwater drains and sewage overflows discharge to the bay. Dog droppings from the dog exercise area in the park and discharge of untreated sewage from older boats moored in the bay are issues.
Actions Regeneration work is continuing in the Winnererremy Bay area on restoring saltmarsh and bushland habitats and upgrading visitor facilities within Rowland Reserve.
Compliance With the exception of winter 2003, faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has ranged from 81% to 100%.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100100 100100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88 90 81 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci levels generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rain and frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07
threshold Harbourwatch
The Harbourwatch Program 189
Bayview Baths See page 182 for key to map Description Bayview Baths is a 20-metre by 40-metre netted swimming enclosure located on the southern foreshore of Pittwater. The wharf from which samples are taken forms one side of the swimming enclosure. Bayview Baths has a narrow sandy beach that is backed by a small grassy park area.
Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges directly alongside the baths and a sewage overflow structure is located in the vicinity of the baths.
Actions There are no actions specific to this swimming site.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has ranged from 69% to 100%.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 97 100 100 100 100 100 81 76 75 75 69 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci levels generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rain and frequently exceed the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
190 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
North Scotland Island See page 182 for key to map Description North Scotland Island is a 15-metre by 50-metre netted swimming enclosure located on the north side of Scotland Island in Pittwater. The wharf from which samples are taken forms one side of the swimming enclosure. A park with picnic facilities backs the swimming area.
Pollution sources Septic tank seepage and runoff in wet weather from residential properties. An open stormwater drain discharges in the vicinity of the sample site.
Actions A draft Stormwater Drainage Management Plan for Scotland Island has been prepared in collaboration with the Scotland Island Residents Association to address stormwater and erosion issues.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has also been high, with 100% recorded in all but two seasons.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100 100 100 100 100 100 86
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres or more of rain, often exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres or more of rain, and frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150
10 Harbourwatch (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
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South Scotland Island See page 182 for key to map Description The South Scotland Island monitoring site is located at Carols Wharf, an unnetted swimming area located on the south side of Scotland Island. A reserve backs the swimming area.
Pollution sources Septic tank seepage and runoff occur in wet weather from residential properties.
Actions A draft Stormwater Drainage Management Plan for Scotland Island has been prepared in collaboration with the Scotland Island Residents Association to address stormwater and erosion issues.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of the 2003 winter season, enterococci compliance levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 86
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Bacterial densities tended to increase with increased rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres or more of rain and frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall
Harbourwatch Harbourwatch 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
192 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Elvina Bay See page 182 for key to map Description Elvina Bay is an unnetted swimming area on the south-western foreshore of Pittwater. Beachwatch samples are taken at the Elvina South Wharf on the southern side of Elvina Bay.
Pollution sources Open stormwater drains discharge to Elvina Bay. Septic tank seepage and runoff in wet weather from residential properties are issues.
Actions There are no actions specific to this swimming site.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years except in summer 2006–07. Enterococci compliance has also been high, ranging between 86% and 100%.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 96 94 100 100 86 88
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci levels generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres or more of rain and frequently exceeded the median guideline limits after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07
threshold Harbourwatch
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The Basin See page 182 for key to map Description The Basin is a 500-metre sandy beach on the western side of Pittwater, backed by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The sample site is located at The Basin Wharf. This area is also known as Coasters Retreat.
Pollution sources Heavy boat traffic at holiday times may result in poor water quality from boat effluent.
Actions There are no actions specific to this swimming site.
Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the past five years. With the exception of the 2003 winter season, enterococci levels have also complied 100% of the time.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall, but generally stayed below the median guideline limits across all rainfall categories.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 Daily Rainfall (mm)
Harbourwatch Harbourwatch (see page 7 for details) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
194 State of the Beaches 2006–2007
Great Mackerel Beach See page 182 for key to map Description Great Mackerel Beach is a 500-metre-long sandy beach on the north-western side of Pittwater. The northern end is backed by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the southern by a residential area. Mackerel Beach Wharf is situated in the middle of the beach.
Pollution sources Runoff from the residential area during rain may be a source of pollution.
Actions Pittwater Council commenced the Floodplan Risk Management Study.
Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years.
Faecal Coliforms Enterococci
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season
% Compliance 25 25
0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07
Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.
10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000
100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)
Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold
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Harbourwatch