Coogee ranks worst Sydney beach for water pollution, yet swimmers stayed
Coogee ranked worst for faecal pollution in NSW's 2026 beaches survey. This is the second year in a row.
Coogee topped NSW's 2026 beaches report as Sydney's most polluted ocean beach for the second year running. The rating noted water quality is at risk from faecal pollution after rain.
A reporter visiting Friday found hundreds of families swimming in clear blue water. No visible contamination was seen.
Stormwater runoff carrying sewage during heavy rain is the main cause of the poor rating. Mass sewage spills are not the main issue, according to a University of Sydney water expert.
Coogee saw poo balls wash ashore in 2024 and 2025. This raised public concern.
- Second consecutive year
- Years of poor rating
- 2024 and 2025
- Poo ball incidents
- Bad smell in Dharug language
- Coogee meaning
- Prof Stuart Khan, University of Sydney
- Expert opinion
Why it mattersWater quality ratings can differ from real-time conditions. This affects whether swimmers feel safe. People may ignore official warnings based on what they see.
AustraliaSydney swimmers need to check pollution ratings before visiting, especially after rainfall; Coogee's repeated poor grade may deter beach use despite sunny-day safety.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 18 h ago
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