With significant recent rain and flooding across the region, Ballina and Lennox Head beaches and other popular swimming spots are likely to be impacted by flood water and stormwater runoff. These areas may be unsuitable for swimming or other recreational activities and it may take several weeks before water quality returns to normal.
Council is also conducting weekly Beachwatch sampling and will continue to monitor popular swimming sites as part of the Beachwatch Program.
After extended rainfall and flooding, swimming or other recreational activities should be avoided for as long as flood waters are present for public health and safety reasons.
As a general precaution, swimming should be avoided for at least one day after heavy rainfall at ocean beaches, and for up to three days in estuarine sites and other sites with minimal flushing.
The most obvious signs of stormwater pollution are water discolouration as well as floating debris in the water and on the tide line. These waters contain runoff from agricultural and urban areas and can include vegetation, rubbish, oils, pesticides and sewage.
Council encourages local residents and visitors to be aware of weather events in the coming holiday period.
For more information and results from the Beachwatch sampling please visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/beaches/north-coast-beaches/weekly-star-ratings
