SYDNEY, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state government on Friday urged swimmers to avoid the water at over 30 Sydney beaches due to likely pollution following prolonged rainfall.
Beachwater New South Wales, the state government's beach water quality monitoring agency, warned that water is unsuitable for swimming at these beaches as the rain increased the likelihood of contaminants being flushed into Sydney's waterways.
All but three beaches in the Sydney Harbor were identified as having likely or possible pollution. Pollution was likely at beaches as far as 65 km north and 25 km south of Sydney, Beachwater NSW said.
"Before you swim, check for signs of pollution such as flowing drains, open lagoons, murky water, unpleasant odors, litter and debris in the water," the agency said.
However, it said that pollution was unlikely at some beaches, including the iconic Bondi in the city's eastern suburbs, and at Manly in northern Sydney.
As a general precaution, Beachwater NSW advises avoiding swimming at open ocean beaches for one day after rainfall and for three days at beaches where a river meets the ocean. ■
