Terrigal water quality: Audit could uncover illegal sewer connections

An audit is under way to find the source of Terrigal beach water pollution and council staff suspect sewer systems illegally connected to storm water drains could be to blame.

One of several major stormwater outlets which discharge straight into the waters of Terrigal Beach.

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An audit is under way to find the source of Terrigal beach water pollution and sewer systems illegally connected to storm water drains could be to blame.

Central Coast Council staff will take water samples over coming months in wet and dry weather conditions.

The samples will come from both storm water drains and on the beach and the results will be used to plan further testing and monitoring.

Terrigal beach water turned brown by stormwater run-off.

Environment and Planning Director Scott Cox told a council meeting last night the result of the audit could be expected by mid year and could show sewer systems illegally connected to the storm water system.

The Terrigal water quality crisis has come into sharp focus after a grassroots campaign by concerned residents.

A recent public meeting by Terrigal Haven Supporters Group claimed that even on a good day there’s a five to ten per cent chance of getting sick just from swimming in the water on Terrigal Beach and around the Haven.

Water-pollution warning sign put up by Central Coast Council.

A number of residents addressed last night’s council meeting to restate concerns about the situation.

Terrigal Resident and Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club Nippers age manager Simone Robertson said the beach was “neither clean, clear or inviting”.

“I feel embarrassed that our beautiful beach is regularly named in the list of most polluted in the State and I imagine that every council representative is also unhappy that the most iconic beach on the Central Coast has gained such a reputation,” Ms Robertson said.

Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox.

“My concern, however, lies solely with the health of my kids, the nippers kids I am responsible for and also for myself,” she said.

“Is it right that my daughter and son should be exposed to the possibilities of illness such as ear or throat infections because they love swimming at their local beach?

“Is it right that I often have kids not participating in Nippers because they have had recurring throat and ear infections during the surf season?”.

Speaking after the meeting Terrigal Pharmacist Raja Morris said that while he did see cases of diarrhoea, gastro bugs, ear and throat infections that could be caused by polluted water, it was impossible to definitively link the two.

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