Thousands of beachgoers seeking relief from the heat in Sydney have been warned to reconsider taking a dip because of an increase in storm water pollution. Warnings have been issued for dozens of swimming spots along the Sydney and central coasts. However, authorities say it’s a common occurrence.
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00:00 For many, the last thing you want to hear on a hot summer's day is don't go in the water.
00:07 In the last couple of weeks it's been rainy, sunny, rainy, sunny.
00:10 When it's rainy you've got to catch a good day, you know what I mean?
00:12 You've got to seize the opportunity.
00:14 But that recent rain is the reason authorities are urging caution at dozens of Sydney beaches.
00:20 The state government monitors Beachwatch, recording elevated sewage contamination
00:25 at 26 swimming spots from Narrabeen to Kernel, with possible pollution at a further 23 locations.
00:33 It's quite typical to have widespread pollution when we've had such heavy rainfall.
00:38 Swimmers are being warned that exposure to sewage can cause stomach bugs and infections.
00:44 We'll probably go in the pool or just not put our head and face under.
00:48 Look, we don't really care about the sewage. The water looks great.
00:52 Water scientists say Sydney's sewage system is no longer suitable for the state's growing population
00:59 and is adding to the problem.
01:02 More human activity, more wastewater, you've got more chance of that to leak.
01:08 Sydney Water spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year amplifying and upgrading our wastewater system.
01:14 The further from the coast you are, like here in Woolwich, the water is even more polluted
01:20 because it's harder for it to naturally flush out.
01:23 And with climate change expected to bring even more intense rain,
01:27 experts say ongoing and accurate testing is key to keeping these places swimmable.
01:34 There is less Beachwatch funding and a lot of councils are struggling to pay.
01:40 While a dip in the ocean is free, assurance comes at a cost.
01:45 [BLANK_AUDIO]