Camden Council has launched a new Nepean River Recreational Water Quality Map to help the community stay in the know about the river's water quality.
Whether you're thinking of kayaking or fishing, the new map provides a clear, easy-to-read recreational snapshot of water quality of the Nepean River.
Council monitors the Nepean River weekly from November through to the end of March and uses a simple traffic light style to show short-term water quality data on the map.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said Council often receives questions about the safety and suitability of the river for different recreational uses.
"The results of Council's monitoring, which are uploaded to this new, interactive map, can help you make an informed decision about using the river," she said.
"Council's new Nepean River Recreational Water Quality Map is a great place to start to be in the know, but there are other things to consider before using the river recreationally. Residents should avoid contact with the water during and for three days after rain; make sure to look for any visible signs of pollution; and always check for other hazards.
"We're so blessed to have such wonderful natural resources and landscape, right here in our backyard. We encourage everyone to enjoy what Camden has to offer, but to do it safely and responsibly."
It's important to note Council does not recommend or support recreation at the sampling locations indicated on the map. Monitoring has consistently shown that the water quality is almost never suitable for primary contact recreation, such as swimming, so caution is advised.
The new map is part of Camden Council's wider plan to better connect the community with the Nepean River, including the development of the Nepean River Corridor Study. This project aims to identify ways Council can progressively work towards improving access to and along the river for the community to enjoy safely.
For residents who want to make a splash and jump right in, Council has a number of purpose-built facilities on offer. They include:
• Dawson-Damer Water Play Space in Camden;
• Curry Reserve Water Play Space in Elderslie;
• Oran Park Leisure Centre;
• Mount Annan Leisure Centre; and
• Camden War Memorial Pool.
To access the full interactive water quality map, visit
camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/waterways/water-quality-monitoring/nepean-river-recreational-water-quality
For more information on water quality monitoring, visit bit.ly/CamdenWaterQuality
For more information, and to stay up-to-date on the Nepean River Corridor Study, visit
yourvoice.camden.nsw.gov.au/nepean-river-corridor-study
For more information about Council's water play spaces, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/parks-and
recreation/water-play-space
For more information about Council's three leisure centres, visit their individual websites at:
• Oran Park Leisure Centre - oranparkleisurecentre.com.au/
• Mount Annan Leisure Centre - mountannanleisurecentre.com.au/
• Camden War Memorial Pool - camdenpool.com.au/
