Restoration projects
Get information on restoration projects at Glenbrook Lagoon and Wentworth Falls Lake.
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Our Aquatic Monitoring Program provides scientific information on the health of our aquatic ecosystems and helps to guide on-ground management in our catchments.
The monitoring program uses a range of physical, chemical and biological indicators to gauge the health of our waterways. Aquatic macroinvertebrates (water bugs) tend to be the most useful indicators, as:
Our staff carry out in-house identification of Macroinvertebrates, data analysis and reporting.
During the warmer months, you might be tempted to cool off in a local creek or waterway. But is it safe? Each week over summer, we test several popular local waterways for bacterial contamination. While it is not possible to provide real-time water quality results, you can use this information as a general guide to water quality at these locations.
Be aware that water quality can change on any given day and contamination can occur at any time, even during dry weather. If unsure about local water quality conditions, contact Council on 4780 5000.
The results from the 2019-20 recreational water quality monitoring are displayed below:
Waterway/site | Recreational water quality grade |
---|---|
Megalong Creek | Poor |
Yosemite Creek | Very Poor |
Wentworth Falls Lake Jetty | Poor |
Wentworth Falls Lake Beach | Good |
Glenbrook Lagoon Boat Ramp | Good |
Glenbrook Lagoon Beach | Poor |
Jellybean Pool | Poor |
A Good rating suggests the location has generally good microbial water quality and water is considered suitable for swimming most of the time. Swimming should be avoided during and for up to three days following heavy rain.
A Poor rating suggests the site is susceptible to faecal pollution and bacterial water quality is not always suitable for swimming. During dry weather conditions, ensure the location is free from signs of pollution, such as discoloured water, odour or debris in the water, and avoid swimming at all times during and for up to three days following rainfall.
A Very Poor rating suggests the location is very susceptible to faecal pollution and bacterial water quality may often be unsuitable for swimming. It is recommended to avoid swimming at these sites.
BMCC has teamed up with Beachwatch to bring weekly updates to Blue Mountains residents and visitors on recreational water quality by providing easy to understand 'star ratings' on four popular swimming sites. Recreational water quality ratings are based on Enterococci levels that are tested weekly by BMCC staff at these sites from November to March. Regular swimmers and visitors of the Blue Mountains will be able to check the weekly ratings and make an informed decision regarding safely entering the water based on water quality results. These ratings and more information on what they mean for swimmers and other aquatic recreational users can be found on the Beachwatch website.
Many Blue Mountains waterways are susceptible to faecal pollution (from sewer faults, stormwater pollution and inputs from agricultural animals) and bacterial water quality is not always suitable for swimming. Faecal pollution is more likely during and for up to three days following rain, however, it is possible for contamination to occur at any time, even during dry weather.
Common ailments associated with swimming in contaminated water are eye, ear, nose and throat infections, skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. Following these general rules will help minimise the risk of infection due to contact with contaminated water:
Report pollution incidents to Council (4780 5000) or the NSW Environment Line (131 555).
Download the full Recreational Water Quality Report 2016 below.