The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water measures the recreational water quality of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding beaches through the Harbourwatch and Beachwatch programs.

Water samples are collected from all swimming locations in the greater metropolitan region once every six days as part of a long term monitoring program. In Woollahra, samples are collected from our five main swimming locations; Redleaf Pool, Rose Bay Beach, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay and Watsons Bay.

View Daily Harbourwatch Bulletins for water quality information at our swimming locations.

Woollahra Council monitors its freshwater creeks and streams for improved water cycle management and health and conservation of our aquatic ecosystems.

Water pollution

Pollution is a threat to ecological health and our use and enjoyment of bays and waterways.

Good quality water is vital for human and aquatic system health and economic activity (DEC 2003a). Human activity alters the natural water, or hydrological cycle, impacting on the quality and quantity of water.

Stormwater runoff

Urbanisation and the associated increase in impervious surfaces, means that less water is absorbed into the ground and greater levels of surface water run-off are produced. Stormwater runoff collects a range of land based pollutants as it makes its way to the receiving waters. Pollution sources include:

• litter from general sources
• sediment and suspended solids from construction sites and poorly landscaped areas
• oils and surfactants and other road based pollutants
• organic matter (leaves, twigs) from gardens and street trees
• nutrients from fertiliser, detergents and animal faeces
• toxic materials from accidental spills and deliberate dumping and
• anti-fouling paints, disposal of sewage and galley wastes from boats.

Sewage pollution

Sewage pollution contributes significantly to the quality of our waterways. Sources of sewage pollution include:

• overflows in storm events, defective sewer pipes and illegal connections to stormwater drains
• raw sewage from the three untreated sewerage ocean outfalls located on the Vaucluse peninsula.