Since January 2019 we have been investigating the causes of poor water quality at Terrigal Beach, the Haven and the coastal lagoons. We have released the most recent report into the findings and the actions we have already taken to improve water quality.

We know as a result of the early audit investigations that sewage is entering our systems in some locations. To discover where this is happening, more than 115.4kms of sewer mains and 1036 private properties have been inspected. We have discovered 41kms of sewer mains needing repair, 95% has been repaired to date, and discovered 23 illegal connections as well as various other private defects. We are working with these residents to ensure they can be rectified.

To find out more about this project and assist in the identification of potential sources of pollution you can:

• view the Frequently Asked Questions
• see what works have already been identified or completed as part of this process
• view the key documents associated with the Audit including summary reports, data information and report concepts

Together, Council and DPIE have been working on a number of reports to provide the community with more information on water quality issues in the Terrigal region.

Results of the audit are summarised in Towards Safer Swimming: Terrigal Beach and Haven.

There are also nine technical reports that describe the results of the Terrigal Water Quality Audit research:

1. Towards safer swimming – Terrigal Region: Stormwater catchment audit
2. Microbial source-tracking to assess the spatial extent and temporal persistence of water quality issues at Terrigal Beach
3. Sewer network remediation and works program for Terrigal and the coastal lagoon catchments
4. Towards Safer swimming – Terrigal region: Terrigal Bay: Sediment contamination
5. Towards safer swimming – Terrigal region: Turbidity in Terrigal Bay
6. Towards safer swimming – Terrigal Region: Calibration and Verification of a 2D Hydrodynamic Model for Terrigal Bay
7. Microbial source-tracking in NSW coastal habitats
8. Towards Safer swimming – Terrigal region: Outcomes of the community engagement program for Terrigal and the Coastal Lagoons
9. Microbial source-tracking to assess water quality in Central Coast Lagoons (UTS technical report) – in preparation

The Terrigal and Coastal Lagoons Audit is a comprehensive water quality improvement program being undertaken in partnership between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (the Department).

The Audit is investigating water quality at Terrigal Beach, Terrigal Haven, Terrigal Lagoon, Wamberal Lagoon, Avoca Lagoon and Cockrone Lagoon. A team of scientists from the Department and from Council are working collaboratively with technical experts and operational staff to assess possible sources of pollution in each catchment, determine the impact on long-term water quality, and prioritise remediation works.

The health of our waterways is dependent on the health of the broader catchment areas – whatever comes down the rivers or enters the stormwater, ends up in our waterways and can have good or bad impacts. Our personal actions can directly affect the health of our waterways, not only right where we live or work but all the way to the estuaries and ocean. By working together, we can all do our bit to improve and protect our beautiful coastal areas now, and for the future. We have developed the Waterways fact sheet to inform the community on how they can assist in the ongoing health of our waterways:

Council will continue to share the progress of the audit program through information shared on this page and on the interactive map.

** Comments that were dropped on the interactive map or submitted via on the online form will not be made publicly visible. This is to avoid publicly identifying private properties. However please note under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act), members of the public have a right to access certain information held by Council except in instances where there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.**