Following the severe rainstorm a fortnight ago, which saw parts of the Eurobodalla immensely flooded, the water in the Moruya River and the Clyde River flowing into Batemans Bay has been a dark brown colour.
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The Eurobodalla Council, as a part of their Beachwatch Program, annually collect monthly water samples from 11 popular beaches in the area for five months beginning in November. The latest results, collected December 13 - just days after the recent flooding event - show a deterioration in the water quality at popular beaches near the estuary of both rivers.
Shelley Beach, at Moruya Heads received a one out of four star rating on December 13. The main pollutant was urban storm water.
Council advice suggests that "following wet weather, swimmers should avoid swimming up to three days after rain, and when the water looks murky and unclean."
But over two weeks later, the water is still murky and unclean.
The council explains that storm water washes pollutants from the catchment into waterways, which can impact water quality.
"Significant rainfall in the catchment has increased flows in the upstream creeks and rivers, resulting in erosion of the banks and low-lying flats," a council spokesperson said.
They said the Eurobodalla is especially susceptible to soil erosion.
"Soils in the Eurobodalla are generally very dispersive, and sediment is easily mobilised and washed into waterways, resulting in the brown colour," they said.
"When this sediment and organic matter reaches our bays and estuaries, it can be caught in the tidal zone for a period of time."
It is a problem exacerbated by the 2020 bushfires which burnt the trees and shrubs that play a vital role in maintaining soil integrity and stability. With less tress, soil is easily washed away by direct rainfall.
The reason council suggests waiting three days before swimming is the risk caused by the chemical and pollutants storm water collects while running into catchment areas. The council spokesperson said storm water can wash away pesticides and herbicides, livestock waste and even faecal matter into rivers.
"Following a period of large rainfall and flooding events like we've just experienced, it could take a little longer for the beaches and estuaries to get back to their blue best," they said.
Residents can keep up to date with the latest advice regarding swimming at Council's Beach Watch Monitoring Program.
James Tugwell
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
