Water Quality Findings in South-East Queensland
Water quality data collected across south-east Queensland (SEQ) between November 2024 and December 2025 has identified the cleanest and dirtiest recreational swimming locations. The analysis, which measures Enterococci bacteria levels, highlights potential health risks at various popular spots, particularly following significant rainfall.
Key Findings by Region
Gold Coast
- High contamination was observed after rain: Burleigh Heads recorded contamination levels as high as 3500 units per 100ml (85 times the safe threshold) following heavy rain in December 2024. Other locations, including Tallebudgera Creek, Palm Beach Parklands, and Currumbin Alley, also showed unacceptable results on the same day. Over a year, Burleigh Heads exhibited good water quality 61% of the time.
- Pristine Locations: Main Beach was the most pristine, with good water quality 97% of the time. Currumbin, Surfers Paradise, and Mermaid Beach also performed well, recording good water quality 95% of the time.
- Regular Contamination: Conversely, Currumbin Rock Pools had good water quality only 3% of the time. Southport’s swimming enclosure and Murlong swimming enclosure also showed consistently poor readings. Permanent warning signs have been installed at these high-risk areas.
Brisbane and Redlands
- Brisbane: Wynnum on the bayside, including the Wynnum Wading Pool, showed good results with a median of 8.5 units per 100ml. In contrast, Oxley Creek and Cabbage Tree Creek recorded the fewest consistent good results.
- Redlands: Wellington Point and Raby Bay Foreshore were among the cleanest locations in the Redlands region.
Sunshine Coast and Noosa
- Noosa: Little Cove at Noosa Heads was identified as one of the cleanest areas. However, Habitat Noosa and Boreen Point campgrounds on Lake Cootharaba consistently showed some of the poorest results.
- Testing Gaps: A significant gap in data exists as councils such as Sunshine Coast (covering Caloundra, Maroochydore, Coolum) and Fraser Coast do not regularly test their beaches for Enterococci.
Understanding Water Contamination
Water quality testing primarily measures Enterococci bacteria, which serve as an indicator of faecal matter (from human or animal sources) and often correlate with the presence of other pathogens like E. coli. Water is considered safe for swimming when Enterococci levels are below 41 units per 100 millilitres and unacceptable above 500 units.
Associate Professor Helen Stratton, a microbiologist at Griffith University, indicated that such high levels of bacteria typically necessitate beach closures.
Stormwater runoff is identified as the primary cause of contamination, as rain flushes pollutants from urban environments into waterways. Heavy rainfall can also lead to sewage overflows into stormwater systems.
Professor Ian Wright, a water scientist from Western Sydney University, explained that open beaches like Main Beach benefit from the East Australian Current, which helps flush away contamination. In contrast, geographically enclosed swimming spots lack this natural cleansing mechanism, making them more vulnerable to prolonged contamination.
Public Health Advice
Authorities recommend avoiding swimming for at least one day at open beaches and at least three days in rivers, lakes, and estuaries following heavy rainfall, as Enterococci levels can remain elevated for several days.
Experts universally advise against swimming when contamination levels are high. To address these concerns, the Gold Coast City Council implemented its first Recreational Water Quality Management Plan in October of the previous year, aiming to enhance waterway quality.