Coogee ranks as Sydney’s worst ocean beach for faecal pollution – again

Coogee Beach in Sydney has been ranked as the most polluted ocean beach in the region due to high levels of faecal contamination. Experts attribute the poor water quality to storm water runoff and sewage overflows triggered by heavy rainfall.
Why it matters
Public health and environmental safety are at risk, highlighting the need for better urban water management and infrastructure upgrades.
Coogee beach received a ‘poor’ rating in the 2026 State of the Beaches report. The popular Sydney swimming spot is ‘susceptible to faecal pollution, particularly after rainfall’. Coogee beach received a ‘poor’ rating in the 2026 State of the Beaches report. The popular Sydney swimming spot is ‘susceptible to faecal pollution, particularly after rainfall’. New South Wales Coogee ranks as Sydney’s worst ocean beach for faecal pollution – again Seventy-nine per cent of all NSW swimming sites rated ‘good’ or ‘very good’, as state’s cleanest and most polluted beaches revealed
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Coogee has ranked as the Sydney ocean beach most polluted with faecal matter, an annual state survey has found.
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