Recent water quality samples from Byron Shire beaches and estuaries revealed mixed results with 'good' results for Torakina and Tallow Beach, a 'fair' score for Clarkes and Main Beaches in Byron Bay and a 'poor' result for Simpsons Creek in Brunswick Heads.
"Ultimately, if the water is dirty or discoloured, and with knowledge of the recent floods in the Byron Shire, people need to accept there may be some risks associated with swimming or surfing," Council's Director Infrastructure Services Phil Holloway said.
The samples were taken by Council on Tuesday 5 April 2022 - just over a week after the Shire's second major flooding event in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park. As part of Council's response to the recent floods, water sampling is being conducted each week at the five locations below. We are hoping to receive the next water sampling results this Thursday 14 April and they will be published on Council's website.
Results of the five areas tested:
- Torakina Beach, Brunswick Heads – 'Good' (safe for bathing according to National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines)
- Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, - 'Good' (safe for bathing according to NHMRC guidelines)
- Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay – 'Fair' (increased risk of illness to bathers, particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly and young children)
- Main Beach, Byron Bay – 'Fair' (increased risk of illness to bathers, particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly and young children)
- Simpsons Creek, Brunswick Heads - 'Poor' (substantially increased risk of illness to bathers).
It is important to note that a single water quality result is at least 24 hours old before being received and as such water quality may have improved or worsened since then.
"People need to keep in mind that any water quality testing is at a point in time, and that conditions can and do change rapidly," Mr Holloway said.
"If you think the water looks murky, you can see debris and there's no visibility, it's best to stay out of it and wait for it to clear before you decide to go in," he said.
Council only gathers water samples to test for faecal contamination.
"People should be aware that there are huge range of other contaminants and debris that can be present in our oceans and rivers following flooding," Mr Holloway said.
NSW Health provides general advice via its website: Public health advice for recreation activities after a flood or storm - Natural disasters and severe weather (nsw.gov.au)
In neighbouring Ballina Shire, the Council has issued warnings about water quality in rivers and waterways as well as Lake Ainsworth and Shaws Bay.
