Communities in flood-affected areas, and holiday makers travelling to these areas over the holiday break are warned to be careful around beaches and rivers, with many waterways across the state potentially contaminated after this year's extreme weather.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director Regulatory Operations Steve Beaman said heavy rain and flood waters have washed a variety of contaminants into waterways.
"The EPA recommends that water from waterways in flood-impacted areas is not consumed or used for any recreational or agricultural purpose," Mr Beaman said.
Mr Beaman said areas in the north-eastern part of the state particularly the Wilsons, Tweed and Richmond rivers and around the Hawkesbury-Nepean had been hit hard by recent extreme weather and floods.
"Swimming in waters affected by flood or stormwater can expose swimmers to dangers, and polluted waters can make you sick.
"The community should be cautious around waterways as chemicals, hazardous materials and other unidentified items may also be present and should not be handled.
"In some waterways there is significant debris, much of it submerged, creating hazards for swimmers and boat operators.
"The EPA is in the process of removing debris from our waterways to support recovery, with shoreline clean-up programs taking place across the state," Mr Beaman said.
"This clean-up will take time though, and our immediate priority is keeping everyone safe over the holiday period."
If you're unsure about the safety of swimming at your local beach or swimming spot, check the Beachwatch website at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachmapp/, speak to the lifeguards on duty or give the local council a call.
If you encounter any significant pollution or debris in the water
