Umina Beach was one of only five beaches in the Central Coast region to show an improvement in water quality in the 2019-20 NSW State of the Beaches report.
The popular surfing beach was upgraded from Good to Very Good.
More generally, the Peninsula didn’t fare so well in the estuarine section of the report, with Pretty Beach and Woy Woy baths receiving a Poor grading.
The report said estuarine sites are generally not as well-flushed as ocean beaches, and so the time for pollution to disperse and dilute is longer.
“Pollution inputs are retained at some swimming sites when they are located in the upper reaches away from the main channels,” it said.
“As a precaution, avoid swimming in estuaries during and for up to three days following rainfall, or if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, flowing stormwater drains or floating debris.”
It was better news at Pearl Beach, where the rockpool was graded as Good.
Central Coast Council has welcomed the report, which uses Beachwatch results to rate designated ocean and estuarine swimming sites across the state.
Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said there were a number of processes underway to help Council address some of the issues in the report.
“In addition to the audits underway, Council will consider ways to improve the estuarine, lake and lagoon sites as part of the Coastal Management Program processes currently underway,” he said.
“In the meantime, Council advises residents to check the Beachwatch website for the latest results before choosing to swim in these locations.”
Across NSW, it is recommended that swimming be avoided during and for up to one day after rainfall at ocean beaches and three days at estuaries, lakes and lagoons.
The full report can be seen at environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/state-of-the-beaches-2019-20
Terry Collins