The Beachwatch annual state of the beaches report has been released.

At the start of each swimming season since 1990, the NSW Government releases the Beachwatch water quality ratings.

The information covers water quality readings from the prior year for all of the swimming locations it monitors in NSW.

Every beach is rated on a 5 point scale from Very Poor to Very Good. The ratings are:

  • Very Good (VG): Excellent water quality and very few potential sources of faecal pollution. Water is considered suitable for swimming almost all of the time.
  • Good (G): Good water quality, considered suitable for swimming most of the time. Swimming should be avoided up to one day following heavy rain at ocean beaches and up to three days at estuarine sites.
  • Fair (F): Water quality is generally suitable for swimming. Avoid swimming for up to three days following rainfall or if there are signs of pollution.
  • Poor (P): Not always suitable for swimming. Ensure the location is free of signs of pollution and avoid swimming for up to three days following rainfall.
  • Very Poor (VP): Water quality may be unsuitable for swimming. It is recommended to avoid swimming at these sites.

Across all of NSW, ocean beaches rated Very Good or Good 89 percent of the time, an increase from 86 percent the previous year. Every beach on the Northern Beaches rated Very Good or Good.

Here is how each of the Northern Beaches rated:

Ocean Beaches

  • Palm Beach (VG)
  • Whale Beach (VG)
  • Avalon Beach (VG)
  • Bilgola Beach (VG)
  • Newport Beach (VG)
  • Bungan Beach (VG)
  • Mona Vale Beach (G)
  • Warriewood Beach (G)
  • Turimetta Beach (G)
  • North Narrabeen Beach (G)
  • Collaroy Beach (G)
  • Long Reef Beach (G)
  • Dee Why Beach (VG)
  • North Curl Curl Beach (G)
  • South Curl Curl Beach (VG)
  • Freshwater Beach (G)
  • Queenscliff Beach (G)
  • North Steyne Beach (G)
  • South Steyne Beach (G)
  • Shelly Beach (G)

Bay and Lagoon

  • Barrenjoey Beach (G)
  • Paradise Beach Baths (G)
  • Clareville Beach (G)
  • Taylors Point Baths (G)
  • Bayview Baths (G)
  • Elvina Bay (VG)
  • North Scotland Island (G)
  • South Scotland Island (G)
  • The Basin (VG)
  • Great Mackerel Beach (VG)
  • Narrabeen Lagoon (G)
  • Bilarong Reserve (G)

Image: Northern Beaches Advocate