LATEST UPDATE
Read the latest updates on council’s Howrah Beach water quality investigation here.
Clarence City Council is investigating possible sources of water contamination after the middle section of Howrah Beach was downgraded to ‘poor’ quality as part of the Derwent Estuary Program’s 2020-21 Water Quality Program Annual Report.
Swimming at Howrah Beach Mid is not recommended given monitoring of the water has shown high levels of bacteria which may pose a risk to health. The below map indicates the section that is not recommended for swimming.
Investigations into poor recreational water quality at Howrah Beach
Council has engaged Water Quality Scientist Dr Christine Coughanowr (founder of the Derwent Estuary Program) to assist in developing and implementing a staged investigation into the potential sources of contamination.
Stage 1: Collect, compile and review existing information
- Review and analyse recent and historical recreational water quality data at Howrah Beach, within the context of regional and broader Derwent Estuary results.
- Consider potential impacts of rainfall, tides and wind events.
- Identify potential sources of contamination, including stormwater outfalls, sewage main leaks, groundwater contamination from the historic tip, birds, dogs, and in situ sources (e.g. contaminated sand).
- Review reports and data associated with previous investigations, along with any recent changes or modifications to infrastructure.
- Prepare a synthesis report, including key findings, recommendations and priorities for further work.
Stage 2: Undertake targeted monitoring and investigations to identify primary sources of faecal pollution
This stage will be based on the outcomes of stage one.
It is likely to include:
- Targeted sampling of stormwater.
- Monitoring of faecal bacteria in sand.
- Alternative source tracking methods (e.g. sterols).
- Possible shallow groundwater sampling at the base of the dunes below the old tip site.
Stage 3: Implement priority actions
To be determined at the conclusion of Stage 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howrah Beach closed?
Show / HideNo, Howrah Beach is not closed, and the entire beach is open for walking. It is currently not recommended to swim in the middle section of the beach. This area will be clearly signposted to make members of the public aware of the impacted area.
How did this happen and does council know what is causing the contamination?
Show / HideThe area behind Howrah Beach (the Howrah Beach catchment) has long been susceptible to stormwater contamination. Clarence City Council does not yet know exactly where the contamination is coming from but will be employing additional staff to locate the sources.
Stormwater systems in urban areas can readily become contaminated with sewage. The source for such contamination can be caused by a failure in the wastewater (sewage) system, including overflows during high rainfall events, or direct cross-connections, leakages, or animal faeces in low rainfall (or non-rainfall) events.
What exactly has been detected in the water?
Show / HideClarence City Council samples for faecal bacteria indicators (called enterococci) in the water, i.e. searching for any indication that the water is polluted with faecal matter.
Water contamination by sewage and animal faeces may contain pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa), which pose a health hazard when the water is used for primary contact recreation, such as swimming.
I went swimming in the ‘poor’ section, will I be okay?
Show / HideIt is unlikely that you will become sick. As always, if you are concerned, we would encourage you to talk to your GP or other healthcare professional.
Is it safe for my dog to swim in middle Howrah Beach?
Show / HideThis program only manages for human health. It is likely that it is safe for dogs to swim in Middle Howrah Beach, but if you are concerned both ends of the beach are graded as fair and are safe for swimming.
Why is the contamination only affecting middle Howrah Beach?
Show / HideIt is likely that there is an undetected contamination source, or sources, somewhere in the mid-Howrah catchment. Clarence City Council is employing additional dedicated staff to investigate and locate those sources.
Is it still okay to swim at the east and west sections if the middle section is contaminated?
Show / HideYes, you can still swim at either end of Howrah Beach. Always be aware of where and when you swim. Avoid swimming in the Derwent estuary for two days after heavy rain (> 10 mm of rain over a 24-hour period) and don’t swim or allow children to play in or near stormwater outfalls (25m on either side of outfall) or urban rivulets.
What is council doing about the contamination?
Show / HideCouncil officers have been investigating stormwater contamination in the Howrah Beach stormwater catchment area for several years. Council will appoint a full-time stormwater investigation officer to prioritise this investigation. Council is also working with the Derwent Estuary Program and TasWater to prioritise infrastructure upgrades and repairs to improve stormwater quality.
See our Latest News section below for the latest updates on what council is doing to improve water quality at Howrah Beach.
What is the process of reviewing the beach grading?
Show / HideFollowing every summer swimming season, the sample results are added to previous results, and the results from five years of sampling are collectively used to calculate a new long-term rating by the Derwent Estuary Program.
You can read more about this process here.
What can I do to help prevent contamination of the Derwent estuary?
Show / HideBe aware that anything that you put into the stormwater network will wash out at the beach. This includes activities such as cleaning your car or pressure washing your driveway. Pick up after your dog at the beach and notify council of any illegal or suspicious polluting activities into the stormwater system.