As Sydneysiders prepare to head out and soak up some sun this summer, some swimming spots are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. The City of Sydney boasts six world class aquatic centres in scenic locations that boast facilities that promote health and wellbeing – but even these aquatic centres may face issues in terms of maintenance.
Westerly Pool in Balmain recently experienced an outbreak of toxic E-coli bacteria with readings of more than 200,000 E. coli O157:H7 cfu/100ml according to City of Sydney reports. E-coli is considered a potentially harmful form of bacteria which may lead to serious illness if inhaled.
“We take great pride in the water quality at all of our swimming pools, and regularly test them to ensure swimmers’ safety,” according to a City spokesperson. “For comparison purposes, we were able to provide samples from both Victoria Park Pool and Parramatta Aquatic Centre; both recorded zero E.N.T. CFU/100ml.”
As for E-coli levels, Balmain Pool is not alone in having high readings of E-coli; City of Sydney also conducted tests at its inner-city YMCA Victoria Park Pool and found low E. Coli/100ml readings – meaning E. Coli has been detected at least 23 times from 2018-20 based on its own water tests alone! Recently Mayor Clover Moore of City of Sydney shared plans to provide additional swim sites around Sydney Harbour; she stated however, she will wait to install infrastructure such as nets until her E. Coli levels had come under control.
Signs warning people away from your facility is never an attractive sight, yet that is precisely what the City of Sydney had to do at Balmain pool following an investigation of suspected sewage leakage.
A City spokesperson confirmed that an internal inspection had yet to pinpoint a source of the issue, however the pool is currently closed while cleaning takes place at its site. To stay cool this summer, consider visiting one of Sydney’s other great spots such as Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool at Woolloomooloo Bay or Cook + Phillip Park Pool located right in CBD for some respite – for more details visit City of Sydney website.