Community Connect Issue 47

BEACHES AND RIVER WATER QUALITY

Ballina Shire Council is continuing to regularly monitor the water quality of our waterways.

Results from May showed a slight improvement in water quality, however several sites in Shaws Bay and the Richmond River were still showing poor results with swimming not recommended. Further rainfall is likely to have an ongoing impact on water quality.

Poor or bad water quality represents bacteria levels that indicate a substantially increased risk of illness to swimmers.

The worst water quality has been occurring within rivers, Shaws Bay, and Lake Ainsworth. The ocean beaches continue to show signs of recovery and visible pollution is less prominent, however, various factors such as tide, wind, swell and ocean currents may influence conditions over a relatively short timeframe.

Council will continue to monitor the situation, remove debris where possible and monitor the water quality.

For water quality sample results visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/beach-health