Council staff avoid water safety question

Gosford Council staff have confirmed that water near the Hardy's Bay jetty was safe for swimming, but have not answered a question on claims that water near creeks and a drain outfall was unsafe.

In December, the Hardys Bay Residents Association claimed that water at three test points near two creeks and a drain outflow was contaminated and unsafe for swimming.

In answer to a question from Cr Terri Latella about the claims, environment and planning director Ms Colleen Worthy-Jennings told last week's council meeting that bacteria levels for water at the jetty were within National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.

The nearest designated swimming locations, at Killcare and Pretty Beach, also returned excellent results, said Ms Worthy-Jennings.

While not commenting of the safety of the water near the creeks and drain, Ms Worthy-Jennings admitted the water was polluted and poor quality.

She said that council's environment officer undertook a coordinated sampling program with Waterwatch official Ms Karen O'Neil and Hardys Bay Resident's Group volunteer Mr Brent Walker to verify test results showing elevated faecal coliform levels.

She said the source of the pollution was unknown and a process of elimination was being used to identify potential sources.

Council's Water and Sewer directorate had undertaken a CCTV investigation of two sewer lines adjacent to the poor water quality location, but results had not been received.

Additional testing was being carried out monthly by Education and Compliance staff to monitor the water quality until the source of the pollution was identified and controlled.

Council Agenda COR.29, 1 Mar 2011